Localized turbulence in pipe flow

Doctoral thesis (2011)

Authors

Contributors

J. Westerweel (promotor)
Department
Process and Energy (Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2011 Kuik, D.J.
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Published Date

06-12-2011

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Faculty

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Department

Process and Energy

Abstract

In this thesis the transition to turbulence in pipe flow is investigated. At low Reynolds numbers, the flow returns to the laminar state spontaneously. At high Reynolds number a small perturbation causes the flow to suddenly become turbulent. In the intermediate regime localized turbulence is observed. This regime is investigated using experimental and numerical methods. It is shown that there is not a critical Reynolds number above which the turbulent state becomes an attractor, hence that it cannot return to the laminar state.

Files

Thesis.pdf
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