Showing papers on "Pipe flow published in 2012"

Turbulent pipe flow at extreme Reynolds numbers.

Abstract: Both the inherent intractability and complex beauty of turbulence reside in its large range of physical and temporal scales. This range of scales is captured by the Reynolds number, which in nature and in many engineering applications can be as large as 10(5)-10(6). Here, we report turbulence measurements over an unprecedented range of Reynolds numbers using a unique combination of a high-pressure air facility and a new nanoscale anemometry probe. The results reveal previously unknown universal scaling behavior for the turbulent velocity fluctuations, which is remarkably similar to the well-known scaling behavior of the mean velocity distribution.

Shear-induced particle migration and margination in a cellular suspension

Abstract: We simulate the cross-flow migration of rigid particles such as platelets in a red blood cell (RBC) suspension using the Stokes flow boundary integral equation method. Two types of flow environments are investigated: a suspension undergoing a bulk shear motion and a suspension flowing in a microchannel or duct. In a cellular suspension undergoing bulk shear deformation, the cross-flow migration of particles is diffusional. The velocity fluctuations in the suspension, which are the root cause of particle migration, are analyzed in detail, including their magnitude, the autocorrelation of Lagrangian tracer points and particles, and the associated integral time scales. The orientation and morphology of red blood cells vary with the shear rate, and these in turn cause the dimensionless particle diffusivity to vary non-monotonically with the flow capillary number. By simulating RBCs and platelets flowing in a microchannel of 34 μm height, we demonstrate that the velocity fluctuations in the core cellular flow ...

Non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics

Abstract: 1. Principles of Continuum Mechanics. Basic Concepts. Material Derivative. Deformation Rates. Rivlin-Ericksen Tensors. Strain Tensor. Kinematics of Steady Shear Flows. Continuity Equation. Stress and Volume Force. Equations of Motion. Energy Equation for Fluid Flow. 2. Material Properties Occurring in Steady Shear Flows. The Flow Function. The Normal Stress Functions. 3. Processes that are Controlled by the Flow Function. Rotational Viscometer. Pressure-Drag Flow in a Straight Channel. Radial Flow between Two Parallel Planes. Pipe Flow. Helical Flow. 4. Effect of Normal Stress Differences. Cone-and-Plate Flow. Weissenberg Effect. Die-Swell. Axial Shear Flow. 5. Simple Unsteady Flows. Linear Viscoelasticity. Non-Linear Effects in Unsteady Pipe Flow. 6. Nearly Viscometric Flows. Shear Flows with a Weak Unsteady Component. Plane Steady Boundary Layer Flows. Stability of Plane Shear Flows. 7. Extensional Flows. Theoretical Principles. Applications. 8. Special Rheological Laws. Fluids Without Memory. Integral Models. Differential Models. Approximation for Slow and Slowly Varying Processes. 9. Secondary Flows. General Theory. Rotational Symmetric Flows. Plane Flows. Steady Flow through Cylindrical Pipes. Periodic Pipe Flow. Appendix: Set of Formulas for Special Curvilinear Coordinates. References. Index.

Direct numerical simulation of a 30R long turbulent pipe flow at R + = 685: Large-and very large-scale motions

Abstract: Fully developed incompressible turbulent pipe flow at Reynolds number (based on bulk velocity) and Karman number is simulated in a periodic domain with a length of pipe radii . While single-point statistics match closely with experimental measurements, questions have been raised of whether streamwise energy spectra calculated from spatial data agree with the well-known bimodal spectrum shape in premultiplied spectra produced by experiments using Taylor’s hypothesis. The simulation supports the importance of large- and very large-scale motions (VLSMs, with streamwise wavelengths exceeding ). Wavenumber spectral analysis shows evidence of a weak peak or flat region associated with VLSMs, independent of Taylor’s hypothesis, and comparisons with experimental spectra are consistent with recent findings (del Alamo & Jimenez, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 640, 2009, pp. 5–26) that the long-wavelength streamwise velocity energy peak is overestimated when Taylor’s hypothesis is used. Yet, the spectrum behaviour retains otherwise similar properties to those documented based on experiment. The spectra also reveal the importance of motions of long streamwise length to the energy and Reynolds stress and support the general conclusions regarding these quantities formed using experimental measurements. Space–time correlations demonstrate that low-level correlations involving very large scales persist over in time and indicate that these motions convect at approximately the bulk velocity, including within the region approaching the wall. These very large streamwise motions are also observed to accelerate the flow near the wall based on force spectra, whereas smaller scales tend to decelerate the mean streamwise flow profile, in accordance with the behaviour observed in net force spectra of prior experiments. Net force spectra are resolved for the first time in the buffer layer and reveal an unexpectedly complex structure.

Minimal seeds for shear flow turbulence: using nonlinear transient growth to touch the edge of chaos

Abstract: We propose a general strategy for determining the minimal finite amplitude disturbance that triggers transition to turbulence in shear flows. This involves constructing a variational problem that searches over all disturbances of fixed initial amplitude which respect the boundary conditions, incompressibility and the Navier–Stokes equations, to maximize a chosen functional over an asymptotically long time period. The functional must be selected such that it identifies turbulent velocity fields by taking significantly enhanced values compared to those for laminar fields. We illustrate this approach using the ratio of the final to initial perturbation kinetic energies (energy growth) as the functional and the energy norm to measure amplitudes in the context of pipe flow. Our results indicate that the variational problem yields a smooth converged solution provided that the initial amplitude is below the threshold for transition. This optimal is the nonlinear analogue of the well-studied (linear) transient growth optimal. At the critical threshold, the optimization seeks out a disturbance that is on the ‘edge’ of turbulence during the period. Above this threshold, when disturbances trigger turbulence by the end of the period, convergence is then practically impossible. The first disturbance found to trigger turbulence as the amplitude is increased identifies the ‘minimal seed’ for the given geometry and forcing (Reynolds number). We conjecture that it may be possible to select a functional such that the converged optimal below threshold smoothly converges to the minimal seed at threshold. Our choice of the energy growth functional is shown to come close to this for the pipe flow geometry investigated here.

Pipe Flow: A Practical and Comprehensive Guide

Abstract: Description: Presents the information needed to design and analyze piping systems With its detailed coverage of pressure drop and other phenomena related to fluid flow within pipes, Pipe Flow enables readers to design and analyze the piping systems needed to support a broad range of industrial operations, distribution systems, and power plants. Throughout the book, the authors demonstrate how to accurately predict and manage pressure loss while working with a variety of piping systems and piping components. Pipe Flow draws together and reviews the growing body of experimental and theoretical research on fluid flow in piping and its components, including important loss coefficient data gathered from various flow configurations. The book is divided into three parts: Part I sets forth the essential methodology required to solve pipe flow problems. It begins with a discussion of the fundamental physical properties of fluids and the nature of fluid flow and ends with a method to assess the uncertainty associated with pipe flow calculations. Part II presents consistent and reliable loss coefficient data for a wide selection of piping components. Experimental test data and published formulas are examined, integrated, and organized into broadly applicable equations. The results are presented in straightforward tables and diagrams. Part III examines flow phenomena that affect the performance of piping systems, including cavitation and flow–induced vibration. Sample problems and their solutions are provided throughout the book, demonstrating how core concepts are applied in practice. In addition, references and further reading sections enable readers to explore all the topics in greater depth. With its clear explanations, Pipe Flow is recommended as a textbook for engineering students and as a reference for professional engineers who need to design, operate, and troubleshoot piping systems. Pipe Flow employs the English system of units as well as the International System (or SI).

The thickness of the falling film of liquid around a Taylor bubble

Abstract: We present the results of laboratory experiments that quantify the physical controls on the thickness of the falling film of liquid around a Taylor bubble, when liquidgas interfacial tension can be...

Intrinsic particle-induced lateral transport in microchannels

Abstract: In microfluidic systems at low Reynolds number, the flow field around a particle is assumed to maintain fore-aft symmetry, with fluid diverted by the presence of a particle, returning to its original streamline downstream. This current model considers particles as passive components of the system. However, we demonstrate that at finite Reynolds number, when inertia is taken into consideration, particles are not passive elements in the flow but significantly disturb and modify it. In response to the flow field, particles translate downstream while rotating. The combined effect of the flow of fluid around particles, particle rotation, channel confinement (i.e., particle dimensions approaching those of the channel), and finite fluid inertia creates a net recirculating flow perpendicular to the primary flow direction within straight channels that resembles the well-known Dean flow in curved channels. Significantly, the particle generating this flow remains laterally fixed as it translates downstream and only the fluid is laterally transferred. Therefore, as the particles remain inertially focused, operations can be performed around the particles in a way that is compatible with downstream assays such as flow cytometry. We apply this particle-induced transfer to perform fluid switching and mixing around rigid microparticles as well as deformable cells. This transport phenomenon, requiring only a simple channel geometry with no external forces to operate, offers a practical approach for fluid transfer at high flow rates with a wide range of applications, including sample preparation, flow reaction, and heat transfer.

Numerical simulation of flow around a circular cylinder having porous surface

Abstract: Flow around a circular cylinder having porous surface is studied numerically by means of direct numerical simulation and large eddy simulation. The flow in the porous media is represented by a spatially averaged model. First, the properties of the most effective porous media are found from a preliminary two-dimensional parametric test. Subsequently, the dependency of flow modification on the Reynolds number (Re = 100, 1000, 3900, and 1.0 × 105) and the porous layer thickness is investigated in detail. It is found that the porous surface works to suppress the velocity and pressure fluctuations and such effect is more significant at higher Reynolds number. In particular, the vortex shedding is found to be completely suppressed at Re = 1.0 × 105. The mechanism of flow modification is explained by slip velocity and energy dissipation process.

Transport of self-propelling bacteria in micro-channel flow

Abstract: Understanding the collective motion of self-propelling organisms in confined geometries, such as that of narrow channels, is of great theoretical and practical importance By means of numerical simulations we study the motion of model bacteria in 2D channels under different flow conditions: fluid at rest, steady and unsteady flow We find aggregation of bacteria near channel walls and, in the presence of external flow, also upstream swimming, which turns out to be a very robust result Detailed analysis of bacterial velocity and orientation fields allows us to quantify the phenomenon by varying cell density, channel width and fluid velocity The tumbling mechanism turns out to have strong influence on velocity profiles and particle flow, resulting in a net upstream flow in the case of non-tumbling organisms Finally we demonstrate that upstream flow can be enhanced by a suitable choice of an unsteady flow pattern

An Efficient Drift-Flux Closure Relationship to Estimate Liquid Holdups of Gas-Liquid Two-Phase Flow in Pipes

Abstract: The reliable predictions of liquid holdup and pressure drop are essential for pipeline design in oil and gas industry. In this study, the drift-flux approach is utilized to calculate liquid holdups. This approach has been widely used in formulation of the basic equations for multiphase flow in pipelines. Most of the drift-flux models have been developed on an empirical basis from the experimental data. Even though, previous studies showed that these models can be applied to different flow pattern and pipe inclination, when the distribution parameter is flow pattern dependent. They are limited to a set of fluid properties, pipe geometries and operational conditions. The objective of this study is to develop a new drift-flux closure relationship for prediction of liquid holdups in pipes that can be easily applied to a wide range of flow conditions. The developed correlation is compared with nine available correlations from literatures, and validated using the TUFFP (Fluid Flow Projects of University of Tulsa) experimental datasets and OLGA (OiL and GAs simulator supplied by SPTgroup) steady-state synthetic data generated by OLGA Multiphase Toolkit. The developed correlation performs better in predicting liquid holdups than the available correlations for a wide range of flow conditions.

Revealing the state space of turbulent pipe flow by symmetry reduction

Abstract: Symmetry reduction by the method of slices is applied to pipe flow in order to quotient the stream-wise translation and azimuthal rotation symmetries of turbulent flow states. Within the symmetry-reduced state space, all travelling wave solutions reduce to equilibria, and all relative periodic orbits reduce to periodic orbits. Projections of these solutions and their unstable manifolds from their $\infty$-dimensional symmetry-reduced state space onto suitably chosen 2- or 3-dimensional subspaces reveal their interrelations and the role they play in organising turbulence in wall-bounded shear flows. Visualisations of the flow within the slice and its linearisation at equilibria enable us to trace out the unstable manifolds, determine close recurrences, identify connections between different travelling wave solutions, and find, for the first time for pipe flows, relative periodic orbits that are embedded within the chaotic attractor, which capture turbulent dynamics at transitional Reynolds numbers.

Edge State in Pipe Flow Experiments

Abstract: Recent numerical studies suggest that in pipe and related shear flows, the region of phase space separating laminar from turbulent motion is organized by a chaotic attractor, called an edge state, which mediates the transition process. We here confirm the existence of the edge state in laboratory experiments. We observe that it governs the dynamics during the decay of turbulence underlining its potential relevance for turbulence control. In addition we unveil two unstable traveling wave solutions underlying the experimental flow fields. This observation corroborates earlier suggestions that unstable solutions organize turbulence and its stability border.

Time-domain characterization of the acoustic damping of a perforated liner with bias flow

Abstract: Combustion instabilities are caused by the interaction of unsteady heat releases and acoustic waves. To mitigate combustion instabilities, perforated liners, typically subjected to a low Mach number bias flow (a cooling flow through perforated holes), are fitted along the bounding walls of a combustor. They dissipate the acoustic waves by generating vorticity at the rims of perforated apertures. To investigate the absorption of plane waves by a perforated liner with bias flow, a time-domain numerical model of a cylindrical lined duct is developed. The liners’ damping mechanism is characterized by using a time-domain “compliance.” The development of such time-domain compliance is based on simplified or unsimplified Rayleigh conductivity. Numerical simulations of two different configurations of lined duct systems are performed by combining a 1D acoustic wave model with the compliance model. Comparison is then made between the results from the present models, and those from the experiment and the frequency-d...

An experimental study of transitional pulsatile pipe flow

Abstract: The transitional regime of a sinusoidal pulsatile flow in a straight, rigid pipe is investigated using particle image velocimetry. The main aim is to investigate how the critical Reynolds number is affected by different pulsatile conditions, expressed as the Womersley number and the oscillatory Reynolds number. The transition occurs in the region of Re?=?2250-3000 and is characterized by an increasing number of isolated turbulence structures. Based on velocity fields and flow visualizations, these structures can be identified as puffs, similar to those observed in steady flow transition. Measurements at different Womersley numbers yield similar transition behavior, indicating that pulsatile effects do not play a role in the regime that is investigated. Variations of the oscillatory Reynolds number also appear to have little effect, so that the transition here seems to be determined only by the mean Reynolds number. For larger mean Reynolds numbers, a second regime is observed: here, the flow remains turbulent throughout the cycle. The turbulence intensity varies during the cycle, but has a phase shift with respect to the mean flow component. This is caused by a growth of kinetic energy during the decelerating part and a decay during the accelerating part of the cycle. Flow visualization experiments reveal that the flow develops localized turbulence at several random axial positions. The structures quickly grow to fill the entire pipe in the decelerating phase and (partially) decay during the accelerating phase.

Nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulation of water transport through carbon nanotube membranes at low pressurea)

Abstract: Nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations are used to investigate pressure-driven water flow passing through carbon nanotube (CNT) membranes at low pressures (5.0 MPa) typical of real nanofiltration (NF) systems. The CNT membrane is modeled as a simplified NF membrane with smooth surfaces, and uniform straight pores of typical NF pore sizes. A NEMD simulation system is constructed to study the effects of the membrane structure (pores size and membrane thickness) on the pure water transport properties. All simulations are run under operating conditions (temperature and pressure difference) similar to a real NF processes. Simulation results are analyzed to obtain water flux, density, and velocity distributions along both the flow and radial directions. Results show that water flow through a CNT membrane under a pressure difference has the unique transport properties of very fast flow and a non-parabolic radial distribution of velocities which cannot be represented by the Hagen-Poiseuille or Navier-Stokes equations. Density distributions along radial and flow directions show that water molecules in the CNT form layers with an oscillatory density profile, and have a lower average density than in the bulk flow. The NEMD simulations provide direct access to dynamic aspects of water flow through a CNT membrane and give a view of the pressure-driven transport phenomena on a molecular scale.

Measurements of void fraction distribution in cavitating pipe flow using x-ray CT

Abstract: Measuring the void fraction distribution is still one of the greatest challenges in cavitation research. In this paper, a measurement technique for the quantitative void fraction characterization in a cavitating pipe flow is presented. While it is almost impossible to visualize the inside of the cavitation region with visible light, it is shown that with x-ray computed tomography (CT) it is possible to capture the time-averaged void fraction distribution in a quasi-steady pipe flow. Different types of cavitation have been investigated including cloud-like cavitation, bubble cavitation and film cavitation at very high flow rates. A specially designed nozzle was employed to induce very stable quasi-steady cavitation. The obtained results demonstrate the advantages of the measurement technique compared to other ones; for example, structures were observed inside the cavitation region that could not be visualized by photographic images. Furthermore, photographic images and pressure measurements were used to allow comparisons to be made and to prove the superiority of the CT measurement technique.

Flow Measurement of Biomass and Blended Biomass Fuels in Pneumatic Conveying Pipelines Using Electrostatic Sensor-Arrays

Abstract: Key parameters such as particle velocity, concentration of solid particles, and stability of pulverized fuel flow in fuel injection pipelines are useful to power plant operators to detect fuel supply problems at an early stage. This paper presents the use of a novel multichannel instrumentation system with circular and arc-shaped electrostatic sensor arrays for the online continuous measurement of “mean” and “local” characteristics of blended biomass flow. Experimental tests were conducted on a pneumatic conveying test rig under various flow conditions on both horizontal and vertical pipes. The biomass fuels tested include willow, wood, and bark. A ground grain (flour) was used to replicate a biomass of finer particles. The results suggest that, due to the physical differences between the constituent biomass fuels, the characteristics of the flow depend on the proportion of larger biomass particles in the blend. It is found that pure flour particles travel faster and carry more electrostatic charge than those of larger biomass particles. As more biomass particles are added to the flow, the overall velocity of the flow slows down, the electrostatic charge level decreases, and the flow becomes less stable compared to the pure flour flow. Particles in the vertical pipe are found to be more evenly distributed, and the particle velocity profile across the pipe cross section is more regular when compared to those in the horizontal pipe.

Liquid film characterization in horizontal, annular, two-phase, gas–liquid flow using time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence

Abstract: A non-intrusive optical technique was developed to provide time-resolved longitudinal and cross-sectional images of the liquid film in horizontal annular pipe flow of air and water, revealing the interfacial wave behavior. Quantitative information on the liquid film dynamics was extracted from the time-resolved images. The planar laser-induced fluorescence technique was utilized to allow for optical separation of the light emitted by the film from that scattered by the air–water interface. The visualization test section was fabricated from a tube presenting nearly the same refractive index as water, which allowed the visualization of the liquid film at regions very close to the pipe wall. Longitudinal images of the liquid film were captured using a high-frame-rate digital video camera synchronized with a high-repetition-rate laser. An image processing algorithm was developed to automatically detect the position of the air–water interface in each image frame. The thickness of the liquid film was measured at two axial stations in each processed image frame, providing time history records of the film thickness at two different positions. Wave frequency information was obtained by analyzing the time-dependent signals of film thickness for each of the two axial positions recorded. Wave velocities were measured by cross-correlating the amplitude signals from the two axial positions. For the film cross-section observations, two high-speed digital video cameras were used in a stereoscopic arrangement. Comparisons with results from different techniques available in literature indicate that the technique developed presents equivalent accuracy in measuring the liquid film properties. Time-resolved images of longitudinal and cross-section views of the film were recorded, which constitute valuable information provided by the technique implemented.

Investigation of Hydraulic Transients in a Pipeline with Column Separation

Abstract: The authors previously described a new method [based on the new discrete vapor cavity model (new DVCM)] for numerical prediction of pressure changes during the water hammer with liquid column separation together with results of preliminary experimental verification of this method. This paper is a continuation of the research and includes results of additional laboratory tests and visualization of the cavitation zones generated during transient flow with liquid column separation. The results of these studies provide a better understanding of the phenomenon. It is shown that the phenomenon can have a distributed nature, which means that gas-vapor zones may be observed not only locally, in the vicinity of the shutoff valve, but may be spread along the pipeline length, and the intensity of this phenomenon decreases with distance from the valve. Laboratory test results were also used for further verification of the new DVCM. This verification shows that agreement between calculated and experimental results strongly depends on the friction model incorporated into the calculation. This agreement also depends on the intensity of liquid column separation: for cases of severe separation, the differences between numerical and measured pressure changes are small and accepted from the practical point of view.

Pressure Drop for Fully Developed Turbulent Flow in Circular and Noncircular Ducts

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to furnish the engineer with a simple and convenient means of estimating frictional pressure drop in ducts and the original physical behavior can be clearly reflected. Fully developed turbulent flow frictional pressure drop in noncircular ducts is examined. Simple models are proposed to predict the frictional pressure drop in smooth and rough noncircular channels. Through the selection of a novel characteristic length scale, the square root of the cross-sectional area, the effect of duct shape has been minimized. The proposed models have an accuracy of 6% for most common duct shapes of engineering practice and can be used to predict pressure drop of fully developed turbulent flow in noncircular ducts. It is found that the hydraulic diameter is not the appropriate length scale to use in defining the Reynolds number to ensure similarity between the circular and noncircular ducts. By using the Reynolds number based on the square root of the cross-sectional area, it is demonstrated that the circular tube relations may be applied to noncircular ducts eliminating large errors in estimation of pressure drop. The square root of the cross-sectional area is an appropriate characteristic dimension applicable to most duct geometries. The dimensionless mean wall shear stress is a desirable dimensionless parameter to describe fluid flow physical behavior so that fluid flow problems can be solved in the simple and direct manner. The dimensionless mean wall shear stress is presented graphically and appears more general and reasonable to reflect the fluid flow physical behavior than the traditional Moody diagram.