Abstract
The flow structure in a circular uniform-diameter tube with segmental baffles is experimentally investigated over the range of Reynolds numbers from 50 to 5000, using flow visualization and pressure drop measurement. Three baffle clearance ratios (c/D = 0.3, 0.5, and 0.7) are studied. The results revealed that the presence of the baffles triggers transition to turbulence at a much lower Reynolds number compared to that for the straight circular tube. The flow in the baffle section of tube with c/D = 0.3 appears turbulent at the Reynolds number of 250. Friction factor of the tubes with baffles decreases with increasing Reynolds number but it is always larger than that for a laminar flow in a tube without baffles.
| Original language | English |
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| Pages (from-to) | 301-311 |
| Journal | Journal of Flow Visualization and Image Processing |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2005 |