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Related Experiment Videos

Stabilization of hydrodynamic flows by small viscosity variations.

Rama Govindarajan1, Victor S L'vov, Itamar Procaccia

  • 1Fluid Dynamics Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore 560064, India.

Physical Review. E, Statistical, Nonlinear, and Soft Matter Physics
|March 15, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Adding polymers to fluids can reduce turbulent drag. This study shows that a slightly varied viscosity near critical layers significantly stabilizes hydrodynamic flows, delaying turbulence onset. This mechanism reduces energy transfer, not just dissipation.

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Area of Science:

  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Hydrodynamic Stability
  • Turbulence

Background:

  • Turbulent drag reduction is significant, with polymers showing large effects.
  • A critical layer is crucial for energy transfer from mean flow to fluctuations.
  • Previous work highlighted the stabilizing effect of localized viscosity variations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the stabilizing effects of weakly space-dependent viscosity on hydrodynamic flow stability.
  • To extend previous findings to more realistic viscosity profiles and secondary instabilities.
  • To elucidate the mechanism of drag reduction by polymers.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of hydrodynamic flow stability with space-dependent viscosity.
  • Investigation of primary and secondary flow instabilities.

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  • Comparison with simulations of turbulent flows with polymer additives.

    • Main Results:

    • Weakly space-dependent viscosity near the critical layer strongly stabilizes primary hydrodynamic instabilities.
    • Realistic viscosity profiles, inferred from turbulent flow simulations, also yield significant stabilization.
    • Secondary instabilities are also strongly stabilized, approaching turbulent conditions.
    • Stabilization results from reduced energy transfer from the mean flow, not altered dissipation.

    Conclusions:

    • Localized viscosity variations are a key factor in stabilizing hydrodynamic flows and reducing turbulence.
    • The findings suggest a mechanism for turbulent drag reduction by polymers, focusing on energy transfer.
    • This research provides insights into controlling turbulence through targeted modifications of fluid properties.