Turbulence Structure Modification and Drag Reduction by Microbubble Injections in a Boundary Layer Channel Flow

Abstract

Turbulent boundary layer modification in a channel flow using injection of microbubbles as a means to achieve drag reduction was studied. The physical mechanism of this phenomenon is not yet fully understood. To obtain some information related to this phenomenon, single-phase (pure water) flow and two-phase (water and microbubbles) channel flow measurements are taken. The void fraction conditions were varied while maintaining a Reynolds number of 5128 based on the half channel height. The study indicates that the presence of microbubbles within the boundary layer modifies the turbulence structure such that variations in time and space turbulent scales are observed, as well as ejection and sweep phenomena.