A Study of the Diffusion of Slot-Injected Drag-Reducing Polymer Solution in a Turbulent Boundary Layer Modified by Large-Eddy Breakup Devices

Abstract

The effects of a tandem set of large-eddy breakup (LEBU) devices on the diffusion of drag-reducing polymer solution and of water injected into a turbulent boundary layer (TBL) flow have been studied. Laser-Doppler velocimeter measurements were taken in the LEBU modified TBL with and without polymer injection. A laser-induced fluorescence technique was used to examine the development of concentration profiles of the injected fluids with increasing distance from the injection slot for a range of injected rates. The diffusion rate of water, a passive contaminant, was diminished by the LEBU devices over a distance of only 10 to 15 boundary thicknesses before returning to the case of an unmodified flow. It has been found that the initial diffusion zone of the passive contaminant has been extended in the LEBU modified TBL. The LEBU devices did have a major effect on the diffusion of polymer over the entire steamwise distance studied, compared to the case of an unmodified flow. Large reductions of turbulent normal and shear stresses were observed downstream of the devices, especially with polymer injection.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1991
Accession Number
ADA243411

Entities

People

  • Howard L. Petrie
  • Steven T. Sommer

Organizations

  • Pennsylvania State University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Boundary Layer
  • Channel Flow
  • Diffusion
  • Flow Visualization
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Fluid Flow
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Laser Beams
  • Measurement
  • Mechanics
  • Optics
  • Pipe Flow
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Pressure Gradients
  • Turbulent Flow
  • Turbulent Mixing
  • Viscosity

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy