Laminar-turbulent transition of a non-Newtonian fluid flow

Abstract

Transition from laminar to turbulent flow of non-Newtonian fluids is investigated using velocimetry data. These data are obtained by applying particle image velocimetry to images obtained through ultrasound imaging (echography). This yielded the observation of intermittent structures (puffs and slugs) that are formed during transition. Post its observation, transition is characterized using the friction factor curves and turbulence intensity. Further, a number of models used to predict transition are assessed. This showed the Reynolds number based model by Slatter and the stability parameter based model by Hanks to be most suitable for non-Newtonian fluids with yield stress and low behaviour index.