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Fluid Dynamics Approach to the Toms Effect

Abstract

Research on the stability of flows of viscoelastic fluids suggests a possible mechanism by which viscoelasticity can reduce turbulent drag. Analysis of the development of turbulence remains to be done, but experimental evidence seems to support the proposals made here. The disparity between previous work in fluid dynamics and the experimental findings of the Toms effect may be explained in the context of the present proposals.

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LOCKETT, F. Fluid Dynamics Approach to the Toms Effect. Nature 222, 937–939 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1038/222937a0

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