Showing papers on "Reynolds number published in 1974"

Vortex pairing : the mechanism of turbulent mixing-layer growth at moderate Reynolds number

Abstract: A mixing layer is formed by bringing two streams of water, moving at different velocities, together in a lucite-walled channel. The Reynolds number, based on the velocity difference and the thickness of the shear layer, varies from about 45, where the shear layer originates, to about 850 at a distance of 50 cm. Dye is injected between the two streams just before they are brought together, marking the vorticity-carrying fluid. Unstable waves grow, and fluid is observed to roll up into discrete two-dimensional vortical structures. These turbulent vortices interact by rolling around each other, and a single vortical structure, with approximately twice the spacing of the former vortices, is formed. This pairing process is observed to occur repeatedly, controlling the growth of the mixing layer. A simple model of the mixing layer contains, as the important elements controlling growth, the degree of non-uniformity in the vortex train and the ‘lumpiness’ of the vorticity field.

Vortex shedding from spheres

Abstract: Vortex shedding from spheres has been studied in the Reynolds number range 400 < Re < 5 × 106. At low Reynolds numbers, i.e. up to Re = 3 × 103, the values of the Strouhal number as a function of Reynolds number measured by Moller (1938) have been confirmed using water flow. The lower critical Reynolds number, first reported by Cometta (1957), was found to be Re = 6 × 103. Here a discontinuity in the relationship between the Strouhal and Reynolds numbers is obvious. From Re = 6 × 103 to Re = 3 × 105 strong periodic fluctuations in the wake flow were observed. Beyond the upper critical Reynolds number (Re = 3.7 × 105) periodic vortex shedding could not be detected by the present measurement techniques.The hot-wire measurements indicate that the signals recorded simultaneously at different positions on the 75° circle (normal to the flow) show a phase shift. Thus it appears that the vortex separation point rotates around the sphere. An attempt is made to interpret this experimental evidence.

Low Reynolds number flow over a plane symmetric sudden expansion

Abstract: Flow visualization and laser-anemometry measurements are reported in the flow downstream of a plane 3: 1 symmetric expansion in a duct with an aspect ratio of 9·2: 1 downstream of the expansion. The flow was found to be markedly dependent on Reynolds number, and strongly three-dimensional even well away from the channel corners except at the lowest measurable velocities. The measurements at a Reynolds number of 56 indicated that the separation regions behind each step were of equal length. Symmetric velocity profiles existed from the expansion to a fully developed, parabolic profile far downstream, although there were substantial three-dimensional effects in the vicinity of the separation regions. The velocity profiles were in good agreement with those obtained by solving the two-dimensional momentum equation. At a Reynolds number of 114, the two separation regions were of different lengths, leading to asymmetric velocity profiles; three dimensional effects were much more pronounced. At a Reynolds number of 252, a third separation zone was found on one wall, downstream of the smaller of the two separation zones adjacent to the steps. As at the lower Reynolds numbers, the flow was very stable. At higher Reynolds numbers the flow became less stable and periodicity became increasingly important in the main stream; this was accompanied by a highly disturbed fluid motion in the separation zones, as the flow tended towards turbulence.

On the effects of boundary-layer growth on flow stability

Abstract: The stability of small travelling-wave disturbances in the flow over a flat plate is discussed. An iterative method is used to generate an asymptotic series solution in inverse powers of the Reynolds number Rx = Ux/v to the power one half. The neutral-stability boundaries given by the first two terms of this series are obtained and compared with experimental data. It is shown that the parallel flow approximation leads to a valid solution at very large Reynolds numbers.

The effects of surface roughness and tunnel blockage on the flow past spheres

Abstract: The effect of surface roughness on the flow past spheres has been investigated over the Reynolds number range 5 × 104 < Re < 6 × 106. The drag coefficient has been determined as a function of the Reynolds number for five surface roughnesses. With increasing roughness parameter the critical Reynolds number decreases. At the same time the transcritical drag coefficient rises, having a maximum value of 0·4.The vortex shedding frequency has been measured under subcritical flow conditions. It was found that the Strouhal number for each of the various roughness conditions was equal to its value for a smooth sphere. Beyond the critical Reynolds number no prevailing shedding frequency could be detected by the measurement techniques employed.The drag coefficient of a sphere under the blockage conditions 0·5 < ds/dt < 0·92 has been determined over the Reynolds number range 3 × 104 < Re < 2 × 106. Increasing blockage causes an increase in both the drag coefficient and the critical Reynolds number. The characteristic quantities were referred to the flow conditions in the smallest cross-section between sphere and tube. In addition the effect of the turbulence level on the flow past a sphere under various blockage conditions was studied.

The solution of viscous incompressible jet and free-surface flows using finite-element methods

Abstract: : The authors discuss the creation of a finite element program suitable for solving incompressible, viscous free surface problems in steady axisymmetric or plane flows. For convenience in extending program capability to non-Newtonian flow, non-zero Reynolds numbers, and transient flow, a Galerkin formulation of the governing equations is chosen, rather than an extremum principle. The resulting program is used to solve the Newtonian die-swell problem for creeping jets free of surface tension constraints. The authors conclude that a Newtonian jet expands about 13%, in substantial agreement with experiments made with both small finite Reynolds numbers and small ratios of surface tension to viscous forces. The solutions to the related stick-slip problem and the tube inlet problem, both of which also contain stress singularities, are also given. (Modified author abstract)

Decay of two-dimensional homogeneous turbulence

Abstract: The decay of two-dimensional, homogeneous, isotropic, incompressible turbulence is investigated both by means of numerical simulation (in spectral as well as in grid-point form), and theoretically by use of the direct-interaction approximation and the test-field model. The calculations cover the range of Reynolds numbers 50 ≤ RL ≤ 100. Comparison of spectral methods with finite-difference methods shows that one of the former with a given resolution is equivalent in accuracy to one of the latter with twice the resolution. The numerical simulations at the larger Reynolds numbers suggest that earlier reported simulations cannot be used in testing inertial-range theories. However, the large-scale features of the flow field appear to be remarkably independent of Reynolds number.The direct-interaction approximation is in satisfactory agreement with simulations in the energy-containing range, but grossly underestimates enstrophy transfer at high wavenumbers. The latter failing is traced to an inability to distinguish between convection and intrinsic distortion of small parcels of fluid. The test-field model on the other hand appears to be in excellent agreement with simulations at all wavenumbers, and for all Reynolds numbers investigated.

Linear stability theory of oscillatory Stokes layers

Abstract: The stability of the oscillatory Stokes layers is examined using two quasi-static linear theories and an integration of the full time-dependent linearized disturbance equations. The full theory predicts absolute stability within the investigated range and perhaps for all the Reynolds numbers. A given wavenumber disturbance of a Stokes layer is found to be more stable than that of the motionless state (zero Reynolds number). The quasi-static theories predict strong inflexional instabilities. The failure of the quasi-static theories is discussed.

Heat and mass transfer between a rough wall and turbulent fluid flow at high Reynolds and Péclet numbers

Abstract: General dimensional and similarity arguments are applied to derive a heat and mass transfer law for fully turbulent flow along a rough wall. The derivation is quite analogous to Millikan's (1939) derivation of a skin-friction law for smooth-and rough-wall flows and to the derivation of the heat and mass transfer law for smooth-wall flows by Fortier (1968a, b) and Kader & Yaglom (1970, 1972).The equations derived for the heat or mass transfer coefficient (Stanton number) Ch and Nusselt number Nu include the constant term β of the logarithmic equation for the mean temperature or concentration of a diffusing substance. This term is a function of the Prandtl number, the dimensionless height of wall protrusions and of the parameters describing the shapes and spatial distribution of the protrusions. The general form of the function β is roughly estimated by a simplified analysis of the eddy-diffusivity behaviour in the proximity of the wall (in the gaps between the wall protrusions). Approximate values of the numerical coefficients of the equation for β are found from measurements of the mean velocity and temperature (or concentration) above rough walls. The equation agrees satisfactorily with all the available experimental data. It is noted that the results obtained indicate that roughness affects heat and mass transfer in two ways: it produces the additional disturbances augmenting the heat and mass transfer and simultaneously retards the fluid flow in the proximity of the wall. This second effect leads in some cases to deterioration of heat and mass transfer from a rough wall as compared with the case of a smooth wall at the same values of the Reynolds and Prandtl numbers.

Numerical Collision Efficiencies for Small Raindrops Colliding with Micron Size Particles

Abstract: Numerical calculations were carried out to determine collision efficiencies for small raindrops with micron size particles based on a numerical description of the axisymmetric steady-state flow about a rigid sphere for drop Reynolds numbers of 1, 10, 20, 100, 200 and 400. The particle was assumed to move with a Stokes-Cunningham resistance to motion in the unperturbed flow of the drop. The results-for drop radii 40 ≲ A ≲ 600 µm and particle radii a ≳ 1 µm, as long as a/A ≲ 0.1, are intermediate to previously calculated collision efficiencies for the potential and viscous flow limits but do not follow the Langmuir interpolation formula. Comparison with experimental results shows good agreement when electric forces are unimportant. A new interpolation scheme is presented for the present results as well as the potential flow case for larger rain-drops which may be evaluated either graphically or by computer for a range of atmospheric conditions of 800–1100 mb and 0–30C.

Measurements of velocity distributions in the wake of a circular cylinder at low Reynolds numbers

Abstract: Velocity measurements were made in the flow field behind a circular cylinder at Reynolds numbers from 10 to 80 and results compared with existing numerical solutions. Takami & Keller's solution for the velocity distribution in the wake shows good agreement at low Reynolds numbers and fair agreement at high Reynolds numbers. The drag coefficient of the cylinder and the size of the standing eddies behind the cylinder were also determined. They are compatible with existing experimental and numerical results. Details of the velocity distribution in the standing eddies are clarified.

Hydromechanics of low-Reynolds-number flow. Part 1. Rotation of axisymmetric prolate bodies

Abstract: The present series of studies is concerned with low-Reynolds-number flow in general; the main objective is to develop an effective method of solution for arbitrary body shapes. In this first part, consideration is given to the viscous flow generated by pure rotation of an axisymmetric body having an arbitrary prolate form, the inertia forces being assumed to have a negligible effect on the flow. The method of solution explored here is based on a spatial distribution of singular torques, called rotlets, by which the rotational motion of a given body can be represented. Exact solutions are determined in closed form for a number of body shapes, including the dumbbell profile, elongated rods and some prolate forms. In the special case of prolate spheroids, the present exact solution agrees with that of Jeffery (1922), this being one of very few cases where previous exact solutions are available for comparison. The velocity field and the total torque are derived, and their salient features discussed for several representative and limiting cases. The moment coefficient C[sub]M = M/(8[pi][mu][omega sub 0]ab^2) (M being the torque of an axisymmetric body of length 2a and maximum radius b rotating at angular velocity [omega], about its axis in a fluid of viscosity [mu]) of various body shapes so far investigated is found to lie between 2/3 and 1, usually very near unity for not extremely slender bodies. For slender bodies, an asymptotic relationship is found between the nose curvature and the rotlet strength near the end of its axial distribution. It is also found that the theory, when applied to slender bodies, remains valid at higher Reynolds numbers than was originally intended, so long as they are small compared with the (large) aspect ratio of the body, before the inertia effects become significant.

Temperature fluctuations in the plane turbulent wake

Abstract: Results are presented of temperature measurements made in the slightly heated, plane turbulent wake at stations 400 and 500 diam downstream from a heated cylinder at a Reynolds number of 2800. The results include transverse distributions of the first four moments of the temperature obtained using both conventional and conditional sampling and averaging techniques, the downstream distribution of the root mean square temperature fluctuations on the wake centerline and the probability density function of the temperature. Additionally, there are obtained, as a function of distance from the interface, temperature moments which indicate that there is a definite thermal structure associated with the interface.

Similitude in Free-Surface Vortex Formations

Abstract: Different fluids were used to investigate the effects of fluid viscosity and surface tension on the incipient conditions for vortex formation and on vortex size and shape. Experiments were conducted in two different sizes of cylindrical tanks with adjustable vanes at the perimetry to allow varying degrees of initial circulation to be generated at the entrance to the test section. The results of the experiments demonstrated that: (1) free surface vortex flow is affected by initial circulation and viscosity, but, for the ranges tested, is not affected by surface tension; (2) the coefficient of the discharge is a function of the Reynolds and circulation numbers; and (3) regions in which an air core will or will not form can be defined by the depth of flow, orifice size, and circulation and Reynolds numbers.

On the nonlinear evolution of three-dimensional disturbances in plane Poiseuille flow

Abstract: The equations governing the nonlinear development of a centred three-dimensional disturbance to plane parallel flow at slightly supercritical Reynolds numbers are obtained, In contrast to the corresponding equation for two-dimensional disturbances, two slowly varying functions are needed to describe the development: the amplitude function and a function related to the secular pressure gradient produced by the disturbance. These two functions satisfy a pair of coupled partial differential equations. The equations derived in Hocking, Stewartson & Stuart (1972) are shown to be incorrect, Some of the properties of the governing equations are discussed briefly.

Two-dimensional turbulence near the viscous limit

Abstract: Two-dimensional incompressible motion is generated by a steady external body force varying sinusoidally with a transverse co-ordinate. Such flow is found to be unstable for Reynolds numbers greater than 2½, and under these conditions evolves towards a new steady state. This ‘steady-eddy’ state is itself unstable in a sense, and its breakdown suggests the catastrophic onset of a cascade of turbulence. The mechanics of this cascade can be represented by a kind of recursion system in which the turbulence dynamics of one scale is repeated in the next, and a law of turbulent stress results. The spectrum of kinetic energy generated by a steady input of momentum at a discrete wavelength shows a rapid decrease (as k−5) towards shorter wavelengths but a much slower decrease (as k) towards longer wavelengths.

Experimental and theoretical studies of dissolution roughness

Abstract: Periodic dissolution patterns that result from the interaction of a soluble surface and an adjacent turbulent flow have been investigated experimentally and theoretically. They occur at a Reynolds number based on a characteristic wavelength and friction velocity of about 2200. Experimental results for the stable geometry, propagation, mass-transfer distribution, average mass-transfer correlation and friction factor are presented. An interpretation based upon the repetitive transitional nature of the flow structure is advanced to explain aspects of the origin and behaviour of this type of roughness.

Turbulent vortex streets and the entrainment mechanism of the turbulent wake

Abstract: The results of an experimental investigation of a turbulent vortex street in the range from 1000 to 20,000 are presented. The vortex street was created by the motion of a circular cylinder in a motionless fluid (mercury). Photographs obtained showed that the turbulent street, created by the vortex shedding behind the cylinder, persisted at longer downstream distances and higher Reynolds numbers than previously reported in the literature. A theory was developed to account for the experimental measurements pertaining to the change of the geometrical characteristics, (the distance between the two rows of vortices and the longitudinal distance between two consecutive vortices on the same row), of the street in the downstream direction. The implications of the structure of the vortex street on the entrainment mechanism of the turbulent wake are discussed.

Stability of a layer of liquid flowing down an inclined plane

Abstract: The stability of the flow down an inclined plane is studied for small angles of inclination β. The same problem has been studied by S. P. Lin, however using an incorrect boundary condition. The correctly formulated eigenvalueproblem is solved by a numerical integration of the Orr-Sommerfeld equation employing the orthonormalization technique. It is shown that in the range 3′<β<1° a decrease in β means a decrease in the critical Reynolds number for the hard mode, which is a shear wave modified by the presence of the free surface. In that range the stability is still more or less governed by the stability of the soft waves, which are essentially surface waves modified by the presence of shear.

Mean and fluctuating flow measurements in the hypersonic boundary layer over a cooled wall

Abstract: Measurements of the mean flow, intermittent structure and turbulent fluctuations were made in a cold-wall boundary layer at a stream Mach number of 9·4 and Reynolds number based on momentum thickness of 36 800. For these conditions, the r.m.s. sublayer thickness was 32 times smaller than that of the boundary layer proper, and the interfacial standard deviation of the latter was about three times proportionately smaller than has been found at low speeds. The mean flow data, which extended well into the sublayer, revealed a large increase in static pressure from the layer edge to the wall and a quadratic law relation between the total temperature and velocity. While the transformed velocity profile was in good agreement with the incompressible law of the wake, no indication of a linear variation of velocity in the sublayer was detected.Hot-wire fluctuation data, interpreted with the use of appropriate assumptions concerning the nature of the sound field, indicated that the turbulence is dominated by high-frequency pressure fluctuations whose magnitude at the wall and beyond the layer edge agree with extrapolation of data acquired at supersonic speeds. The static temperature fluctuations agreed with expectations from adiabatic, supersonicdata apparently because they were suppressed by the cooled-wall condition. The fluctuations in the longitudinal velocity component were generally small and differed little from lower Mach number results. The high turbulence Reynolds numbers found generated an inertial-subrange spectral decay, while the longitudinal integral scales were found independent of turbulence mode and about one-fifth the boundary-layer thickness.

Universal similarity at high grid Reynolds numbers

Abstract: Kolmogorov's second hypothesis has been examined for the case of turbulence generated behind a very large grid. The turbulent Reynolds number RΛ = 280 was sufficient to obtain a short inertial subrange. The one-dimensional subrange constant a1 = 0·48 ± 0·06 is in agreement with recent determinations made in geophysical flows. Isotropy was tested by comparing the transverse velocity spectrum with the transverse spectrum predicted from the longitudinal spectrum using the isotropic relations. The comparison showed the flow to be isotropic everywhere except at the largest scales.It was observed that at high wavenumbers the spectra were attenuated by effects of finite wire length. The wire-length corrections suggested by Wyngaard (1968) were found to be inadequate. New corrections based on experimentally determined universal spectra are proposed.