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Quantitative measurement of the lifetime of localized turbulence in pipe flow

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 February 2010

D. J. KUIK*
Affiliation:
Laboratory for Aero & Hydrodynamics, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands
C. POELMA
Affiliation:
Laboratory for Aero & Hydrodynamics, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands
J. WESTERWEEL
Affiliation:
Laboratory for Aero & Hydrodynamics, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands
*
Email address for correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract

Transition to turbulence in a pipe is characterized by the increase of the characteristic lifetimes of localized turbulent spots (‘puffs’) with increasing Reynolds number (Re). Previous experiments are based on visualization or indirect measurements of the lifetime probability. Here we report quantitative direct measurements of the lifetimes based on accurate pressure measurements combined with laser Doppler anemometry (LDA). The characteristic lifetime is determined directly from the lifetime probability. It is shown that the characteristic lifetime does not diverge at finite Re, and follows an exponential scaling for the observed range 1725 ≤ Re ≤ 1955. Over this small Re range the lifetime increases over four orders of magnitude. The results show that the puff velocity is not constant, and the rapid disintegration of puffs occurs within 20–70 pipe diameters.

Type
Papers
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2010

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