Fluid Flow through 90 Degree Bends

Pressure drop measurement and prediction in curved pipes and elbow bends is reviewed for both laminar and turbulent single-phase fluid flow. For curved pipe under laminar flow, the pressure loss can be predicted both theoretically and using empirical relations. The transitional Reynolds number can be predicted from an empirical relation. Turbulent flow in curved pipes can only be theoretically predicted for large bends but there are a large number of empirical relations that have proved to be accurate. Elbow bends have proven to be difficult to both measure and represent the pressure loss. Methods of overcoming such problems are outlined. There was no reliable method of theoretically predicting pressure drop in elbow bends. Experimental measurements showed considerable scatter unless care was taken to eliminate extraneous effects. Reliable data are highlighted and an empirical method is proposed for calculation of pressure drop in elbow bends

Stability of helical tubes conveying fluid

We study the linear stability of elastic collapsible tubes conveying fluid, when the equilibrium configuration of the tube is helical. A particular case of such tubes, commonly encountered in applications, is represented by quarter- or semi-circular tubular joints used at pipe's turning points. The stability theory for pipes with non-straight equilibrium configurations, especially for collapsible tubes, allowing dynamical change of the cross-section, has been elusive as it is difficult to accurately develop the dynamic description via traditional methods. We develop a methodology for studying the three-dimensional dynamics of collapsible tubes based on the geometric variational approach. We show that the linear stability theory based on this approach allows for a complete treatment for arbitrary three-dimensional helical configurations of collapsible tubes by reduction to an equation with constant coefficients. We discuss new results on stability loss of straight tubes caused by the cross-sectional area change. Finally, we develop a numerical algorithm for computation of the linear stability using our theory and present the results of numerical studies for both straight and helical tubes.Comment: 47 pages, 5 figure

Two-phase distribution in the vertical flow line of a domestic wet central heating system

The theoretical and experimental aspects of bubble distribution in bubbly two-phase flow are reviewed in the context of the micro bubbles present in a domestic gas fired wet central heating system. The latter systems are mostly operated through the circulation of heated standard tap water through a closed loop circuit which often results in water supersaturated with dissolved air. This leads to micro bubble nucleation at the primary heat exchanger wall, followed by detachment along the flow. Consequently, a bubbly two-phase flow characterises the flow line of such systems. The two-phase distribution across the vertical and horizontal pipes was measured through a consideration of the volumetric void fraction, quantified through photographic techniques. The bubble distribution in the vertical pipe in down flow conditions was measured to be quasi homogenous across the pipe section with a negligible reduction in the void fraction at close proximity to the pipe wall. Such a reduction was more evident at lower bulk fluid velocities

Two-phase distribution in the vertical flow line of a domestic wet central heating system

The theoretical and experimental aspects of bubble distribution in bubbly two-phase flow are reviewed in the context of the micro bubbles present in a domestic gas fired wet central heating system. The latter systems are mostly operated through the circulation of heated standard tap water through a closed loop circuit which often results in water supersaturated with dissolved air. This leads to micro bubble nucleation at the primary heat exchanger wall, followed by detachment along the flow. Consequently, a bubbly two-phase flow characterises the flow line of such systems. The two-phase distribution across the vertical and horizontal pipes was measured through a consideration of the volumetric void fraction, quantified through photographic techniques. The bubble distribution in the vertical pipe in down flow conditions was measured to be quasi-homogenous across the pipe section with a negligible reduction in the void fraction at close proximity to the pipe wall. Such a reduction was more evident at lower bulk fluid velocities

Investigation of a swirling flow nozzle for a fluidised bed gas distributor

This paper relates to a multi-orifice distributor for a gas-fluidised bed, using many upward-facing nozzles, equally spaced in a horizontal plate. Each orifice contained a removable helical coil, which made the gas swirl as it entered the bed. For a single orifice in such a distributor, ultra-fast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and pressure measurements were applied to study: (i) the formation of jets and bubbles and (ii) the orifice pressure drop. Results from MRI show that the swirling flow induced by the helix significantly improves the fluidisation quality compared to a plain nozzle without spiral. The helix gives rise to secondary flow which increases pressure drop across the nozzle, the measured values of which are predicted satisfactorily by using a friction factor correlation for helical coils.The authors thank Dr Stephen Sutcliffe and Mo Dadvar of Huntsman for providing both financial and technical assistance for this project, and Suttons Seeds for the kind donation of poppy seeds used for MRI. S.M. Aworinde is grateful to the Cambridge Commonwealth Trust (CCT) for scholarship award to study at Cambridge

Aeronautical Engineering: A special bibliography with indexes, supplement 67, February 1976

This bibliography lists 341 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in January 1976

Microgravity: A Teacher's Guide With Activities in Science, Mathematics, and Technology

The purpose of this curriculum supplement guide is to define and explain microgravity and show how microgravity can help us learn about the phenomena of our world. The front section of the guide is designed to provide teachers of science, mathematics, and technology at many levels with a foundation in microgravity science and applications. It begins with background information for the teacher on what microgravity is and how it is created. This is followed with information on the domains of microgravity science research; biotechnology, combustion science, fluid physics, fundamental physics, materials science, and microgravity research geared toward exploration. The background section concludes with a history of microgravity research and the expectations microgravity scientists have for research on the International Space Station. Finally, the guide concludes with a suggested reading list, NASA educational resources including electronic resources, and an evaluation questionnaire