On modelling the transition to turbulence in pipe flow

Abstract

As a possible model for fluid turbulence, a Reiner–Rivlin-type equation is used to study Poiseuille–Couette flow of a viscous fluid in a rotating cylindrical pipe. The equations of motion are derived in cylindrical coordinates, and small-amplitude perturbations are considered in full generality, involving all three velocity components. A new matrix-based numerical technique is proposed for the linearized problem, from which the stability is determined using a generalized eigenvalue approach. New results are obtained in this cylindrical geometry, which confirm and generalize the predictions of previous recent studies. A possible mechanism for the transition to turbulent flow is discussed. doi:10.1017/S1446181117000256