Internal Low Reynolds-Number Turbulent and Transitional Gas Flow With Heat Transfer

Abstract

The results of a semitheoretical and experimental investigation of the heat-transfer and frictional effects in air, nitrogen, and helium in steady flow in the downstream region of round tubes are presented. The constant-properties analysis for low Reynolds-number turbulent flow is evolved from an improved description of the adiabatic velocity profile, without modifying the Reynolds analogy assumption of equal eddy diffusivities. Data cover peak wall-to-bulk temperature ratios from near unity to 4.8 and entering Reynolds numbers from 1450 to 45,000. Low and moderate temperature-ratio data are used to confirm and to extend the analysis, while high temperature-ratio results are utilized for classification of flow regimes at high heating rates in the low Reynolds-number range.