Toms effect

In fluid dynamics, the Toms effect is a reduction of the drag of a turbulent flow thought a pipeline when polymer solutions are added.[1]

In 1948, B. A. Toms discovered[2] by experiments that the addition of a small amount of polymer into a Newtonian solvent (parts per million by weight), which results in a non-Newtonian fluid solution, can reduce the skin frictional drag on a stationary surface by up to 80% when turbulence is present.[1]

This technology has been successfully implemented to reduce pumping cost for oil pipelines, to increase the flow rate in fire fighting equipment and to help irrigation and drainage.[3][4] It also has potential applications in the design of ship and submarine hulls to achieve an increased speed and reduced energy cost.

See also

• Drag reducing agent
• FENE model
• Non-Newtonian fluid
• Direct numerical simulation

References

1. Graebel, William (2001-01-19). Engineering Fluid Mechanics. CRC Press. ISBN 978-1-56032-733-2.
2. Toms, B. A. 1948 Some Observation on the flow of linear polymer solutions through straight tubes at large Reynolds numbers. Proc. Int’l Rheological Congress 2, 135–141
3. Sellin, R. H. J. & Ollis, M. 1980 Polymer drag reduction in large pipes and sewers: Results of recent field trials. Journal of Rheology
4. Khalil, M. F., Kassab, S. Z., Elmiligui, A. A. & Naoum, F. A. 2002 Applications of drag-reducing polymers in sprinkler irrigation systems: Sprinkler head performance. Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering

External links

• Alyeska Pipe Line
• EFFECTS OF FRICTION AND POLYMERS ON 2D TURBULENCE