Flow in a Spiral Tube : 1st Report, Velocity Distribution and Pressure Drop

Abstract

The velocity distribution and pressure drop in a spiral tube with three-shaped groove tube walls, were experimentally studied over the range from laminar to turbulent flow. From the results of flow visualization and velocity distribution, it was proved that fluids near the tube wall in the laminar flow range, flow in accordance with the groove, and the mixing effect of turbulent flow range is caused by the swirling flow in the tube. The equation of the friction factor for the laminar flow range which agrees well with the experimental values, was obtained by a approximate analysis. For the turbulent flow range, it was experimentally obtained by considering the effects of the groove depth and pitch of the spiral tube on the pressure drop.