Experimental study of pseudoplastic fluid flows in a square duct of strong curvature

In this paper, laminar and turbulent flows of pseudoplastic fluids (0.1% and 0.2% by weight aqueous solutions of carboxymethylcellulose) in a square duct of strong curvature were measured using an ultrasonic Doppler velocimetry and microphones. Streamwise velocity in cross-sections of the duct and the fluctuating pressure on walls were measured for different flow rates. The velocity contours and their development along the duct were presented and compared with benchmark experiments by Taylor, Whitelaw and Yianneskis (1982) which were for the laminar and turbulent flows of water. The spectra of fluctuating wall pressures were also presented and analyzed. The objective of this paper was to provide a basis for understanding the pseudoplastic fluid flows in curved ducts. The results were also intended for use in the further development of numerical methods and turbulence models for shear-thinning fluids.