Velocity measurements made with a laser dopplermeter on the turbulent pipe flow of a dilute polymer solution

Abstract

This paper presents some new measurements which have been made on a drag-reducing polymer solution in pipe flow. A novel type of laser dopplermeter, which has been developed by the author, is briefly described and the measurements which have been obtained are given. These results and their implications are then discussed in terms of conventional models for turbulent flow in a pipe. These suggest that the polymer has very little effect upon the turbulent core of the flow, but thickens and stabilizes the viscous sublayer. The turbulent intensity inside the sublayer is unchanged but, owing to its thickening, the velocity fluctuations just outside are greater. There is not a general suppression of turbulence within the sublayer although well inside the sublayer the spanwise velocity component is found to be reduced.