DRAG REDUCTION IN TURBULENT FLOW BY POLYMER ADDITIVES

A brief survey is given of the drag reduction phenomenon, emphasizing the aspects which must be explained by any theory; onset, the existence of intrinsic drag reduction, the Newtonain plug, saturation with increasing concentration, and the maximum drag reduction asymptote. In addition, the polymer properties observed to be favorable are noted. Experimental and theoretical arguments are cited, indicating that sublayer stability arguments are not relevant. The maximum drag reduction asymptote is discussed, in connection with recent measurements of turbulent fluctuations in drag reducing flows, and it is shown how both of these may be related to changes in the large eddy structure caused by the polymer-induced changes in the small eddies.

• Corporate Authors:

  Interscience Publishers

  605 Third Avenue
  New York, NY  United States  10016
• Authors:
  • Lumley, J L
• Publication Date: 1973

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 263-290
• Serial:
  • Journal of Polymer Science, Part D: Macromol Rev
  • Volume: 7
  • Publisher: Interscience Publishers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Additives; Boundary layer; Drag; Polymers; Turbulence; Turbulent boundary layer
• Old TRIS Terms: Boundary layer stability; Drag reduction; Polymer additives
• Subject Areas: Design; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00054028
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 7 1974 12:00AM