Spectral measurements of turbulent momentum transfer in fully developed pipe flow

Abstract

Measurements of the spectral components of turbulent momentum transfer for fully developed pipe flow are presented. The results indicate that near the wall (y⁺ < 15) two types of momentum transfer processes occur. A net positive transfer takes place in the higher frequency range of the energy-containing part of the turbulence spectrum whereas a net negative transfer returns low momentum to the wall region at the lower end of the spectrum. Examination of the turbulence at various y⁺ shows that the significant features of the turbulence spectra scale on frequency at any given Reynolds number, thus leading to an interpretation of the flow structure which is consistent with the hydrogen-bubble visualization data of Runstadler, Kline & Reynolds (1963). The results are consistent with a flow model in which disturbances extend from the sublayer to the core of the flow. Recent turbulent heat transfer measurements are also interpreted successfully by this model.