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The minimum Reynolds number for a turbulent boundary layer and the selection of a transition device

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 March 2006

J. H. Preston
J. H. Preston
Affiliation:
Department of Fluid Mechanics, University of Liverpool
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Abstract

In the case of turbulent flow in a pipe there is a lower experimental number to the Reynolds limit for which fully developed turbulent flow occurs. From the similarity and close agreement of the curves showing the coefficient of skin friction cf as a function of the Reynolds number Rθ (based on the momentum thickness θ) for the circular pipe and flat plate, it is suggested that there should be a lower limit to Rθ for fully developed turbulent flow on a flat plate. Rather limited experimental data confirm this and place the lower limit at Rθ = 320. The choice and size of transition device is examined in relation to this minimum Rθ and an approximate theory leads to a ‘wire’ Reynolds number in fair agreement with experience.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Fluid Mechanics , Volume 3 , Issue 4 , January 1958 , pp. 373 - 384
Copyright
© 1958 Cambridge University Press

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