Laminar-Turbulent Transition Flows of Non-Newtonian Slurries: Models Assessment

In this study a qualitative assessment of transitional velocity engineering models for predicting non-Newtonian slurry flows in a horizontal pipe was performed using data from wide pipe diameters (25–268 mm). In addition, Gamma Theta transition model was used to compute selected flow conditions. In general, it was observed that most of the current engineering models predict conservative transitional velocities. However, caution should be exercised in design situations where both pipe diameter and viscoplastic viscosity influence the value of Hedström number. It was found that the Gamma Theta transition model predicted a laminar flow condition in the fully developed region which is contrary to what has been observed in experiment.