Research on Drag Reduction by Coating the Inner Wall of Hydraulic Pipeline

Abstract

This study employs computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations to investigate the effect of wall roughness on linear loss in circular pipelines. It specifically addresses hemispherical roughness, focusing on how changes in spacing influence linear loss, a critical determinant of fluid motion within pipelines. The simulations further assess the impact of these variables on flow characteristics, laying a theoretical groundwork for drag reduction and pipeline design improvement. Results indicate that increased spacing between roughness elements reduces the differential pressure at both pipeline ends. The dimensionless spacing value of 30 stabilizes this pressure, suggesting a limit to further changes. Additionally, a rise in roughness height at this spacing exacerbates differential pressure, highlighting a proportional relationship between roughness dimensions and linear loss—greater roughness leads to higher linear loss. Applying a nickel-plated coating on the inner wall significantly lowers roughness, thereby reducing linear loss.