Turbulent Flow in Axially Rotating Pipes

Abstract

Experimental results concerning the flow pattern and hydraulic resistance in a rotating pipe are described. A fully developed turbulent flow was introduced into a long smooth pipe rotating about its axis, and changes of the flow pattern, together with hydraulic loss within the pipe, were examined by measuring the velocity and pressure distributions across sections at various distance from the pipe entrance. Increase of pipe rotation continuously reduces the hydraulic loss and gradually changes the axial velocity profile from a turbulent type to a laminar one. Governing factors for these changes are discussed.