Turbulent drag reduction using fluid spheres

Using direct numerical simulations of turbulent Couette flow, we predict drag reduction in suspensions of neutrally buoyant fluid spheres, of diameter larger than the Kolmogorov length scale. The velocity fluctuations are enhanced in the streamwise direction, and reduced in the cross-stream directions, which is similar to the more studied case...

Self-similar drag reduction in plug-flow of suspensions of macroscopic fibers

Pipe flow experiments show that turbulent drag reduction in plug-flow of concentrated suspensions of macroscopic fibers is a self-similar function of the wall shear stress over the fiber network yield stress. We model the experimental observations, by assuming a central fiber network plug, whose radius is determined by the yield stress....

Turbulence modulation and drag reduction by spherical particles

This letter reports on the pronounced turbulence modulations and the accompanying drag reduction observed in a two-way coupled simulation of particle-laden channel flow. The present results support the view that drag reduction can be achieved not only by means of polymeric or fiber additives but also with spherical particles.