Temperature gradients in turbulent air streams. Thermodynamics properties of methane at low temperature

• Main Author: Corcoran, William Harrison
• Format: Others
• Published: 1948
• Online Access: https://thesis.library.caltech.edu/4755/1/Corcoran_wh_1948.pdf; Corcoran, William Harrison (1948) Temperature gradients in turbulent air streams. Thermodynamics properties of methane at low temperature. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/JYDC-RZ04. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-12042003-091303 <https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-12042003-091303>

NOTE: Text or symbols not renderable in plain ASCII are indicated by [...]. Abstract is included in .pdf document. Equipment is described that was used in making velocity and temperature measurements at various points within an air stream flowing in a smooth, rectangular channel 0.675 inch in height, 12 3/8 inches in width, and 162 inches in length. The aspect ratio of the channel was such that flow along the center line was essentially two-dimensional. In addition to equipment for velocity and temperature measurements, means were provided for establishing the thermal flux from the upper wall of the channel into the flowing air stream. The apparatus was applied to a research problem concerned with the analogy between momentum transfer and heat transfer. Steady state, two-dimensional flow of air was attained at the downstream portion of the channel. Observations were made in the Reynolds number range of 18,000 to 48,000. The experimental data were examined on the basis of heat and momentum transfer equations whose basic forms were first suggested by Osborne Reynolds. It was found that in the turbulent core the coefficient of eddy conductivity for heat was practically constant and approximately 1.3 times the coefficient of eddy viscosity. Thermodynamic properties of methane were computed using values of [...] and the compressibility factor Z obtained from experimental measurements, and theoretical information for heat capacities at zero pressure. Data are tabulated for the temperature range from 70 to -230[degrees]F and the pressure range from zero to 1400 pounds per square inch. A temperature-entropy diagram of methane in this low temperature region is presented.