Turbulent Pipe Flow of “Rod-Like” Polymer Solutions

In this study the drag reduction of an aqueous solution of a rigid “rod-like” polymer, scleroglucan, at a concentration of 0.01% w/w in a 100-mm diameter, 23-m long circular pipe-flow facility was experimentally investigated. Pressure-drop measurements were conducted via a differential pressure transducer and compared to that of the Newtonian solvent. Mean axial velocity and complete Reynolds normal stress data, i.e. u', v' and w' were measured by means of a laser Doppler anemometer at three different Reynolds numbers, all in the turbulent-flow regime. Newtonian control runs, also within the turbulent-flow regime, were also performed for comparison.