An Experimental Investigation of Turbulent Water Flow in Concentric Annulus Using Particle Image Velocimetry Technique

Abstract

Fully developed turbulent flow of water through a horizontal flow loop with concentric annular geometry was investigated using high resolution particle image velocimetry (PIV). Reynolds number range varied from 17,700 to 66,900. Axial mean velocity profile was found to be following the universal wall law (u+ = y+) in the viscous sublayer (y+ < 10) and log law away from the wall (y+> 30). Radial position of zero shear stress and maximum velocity were found to be slightly different (2%). Root mean square values of velocity fluctuations velocity, Reynolds stresses, vorticity, and turbulent kinetic energy budget were also analyzed.