The effect of pipe roughness on non-Newtonian turbulent flow

Abstract

Pipe roughness is known to greatly increase the turbulent flow friction factor for Newtonian fluids. The well-known Moody diagram shows that an order of magnitude increase in the friction is possible due to the effect of pipe roughness. However, since the classical work of Nikuradse (1926 -1933), very little has been done in this area. In particular, the effects that pipe roughness might have on non-Newtonian turbulent flow head loss, has been all but totally ignored. This thesis is directed at helping to alleviate this problem. An experimental investigation has been implemented in order to quantify the effect that pipe roughness has on non-Newtonian turbulent flow head loss predictions. The Balanced Beam Tube Viscometer (BBTV), developed at the University of Cape Town, has been rebuilt and refined at the Cape Technikon and is being used for research in this field. The BBTV has been fitted with pipes of varying roughness. The roughness of smooth P\'C pipes was artificially altered using methods similar to those of Nikuradse. This has enabled the accumulation of flow data in laminar and turbulent flow in pipes that are both hydraulically smooth and rough Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids have been used for the tests. The data have been subjected to analysis using various theories and scaling laws. The strengths and problems associated with each approach are discussed and It is concluded that roughness does have a significant effect on Newtonian as well as non-Newtonlan flow.