Work

The role of polymer molecular weight distribution in drag-reducing turbulent flows

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Drag reduction induced by a polydisperse solution of polyethylene oxide is investigated by direct numerical simulations of the Navier–Stokes equations coupled with the Lagrangian evolution of the polymers, modelled as dumbbells. Simulation parameters are chosen to match the experimental conditions of Berman (1977), who measured the polymer molecular weight distribution. Drag reduction is induced only by the few high molecular weight polymers fully stretched by the turbulent flow, whilst the hundreds of parts per million of low molecular weight chains are ineffective.

Source: Journal of Fluid Mechanics

DOI: 10.1017/jfm.2024.1110

Authors: F. Serafini, F. Battista, P. Gualtieri, C.M. Casciola

Institution: Sapienza University of Rome

Language: English

Topic: Rheology and Fluid Dynamics Studies

Subfield: Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes

Field: Chemical Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,550

OpenAlex ID: W4408459222

FWCI: 3.663

Cites: 31

Cited by: 12

Related to: 10