Laminar Flow of Dilute Polymer Solutions Around Circular Cylinders

Citation

James, David Fielding (1967) Laminar Flow of Dilute Polymer Solutions Around Circular Cylinders. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/G1Z1-PH10. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-09132002-124902

Abstract

Experimental results are presented for heat transfer by free and forced convection at low velocities from small heated cylinders in dilute solutions of polyethylene oxide in water. The experiments were conducted for a range of velocities (less than 1. 0 ft/sec) and polymer concentrations, with several cylinder diameters, and for several polymer molecular weights. Experimental results are also presented for the drag of a small cylinder in similar liquids and for a comparable range of velocities. The heat transfer and drag results at low velocities were identical to those for a Newtonian liquid; at high velocities, the measured values departed considerably from Newtonian results. These departures result from the viscoelastic nature of the polymer solutions. Visualization studies of the flow around a cylinder and of a minute laminar jet were conducted to determine the gross magnitude of the viscoelastic effects. Due to the liquid's elasticity, a significant enlargement of the flow field was observed for both configurations above a critical Reynolds number. An attempt is made to explain the heat transfer and drag results in light of these observations. Photographic materials on pp. 111 - 149 are essential and will not reproduce clearly on Xerox copies. Photographic copies should be ordered

Thesis Files