Changes to the average velocity profile by adding polymer solution

What is it about?

This paper confirms observations by White et al. (2012) made at lower speeds about the average velocity profile of a turbulent boundary layer modified with polymer solution. Furthermore, there is evidence that the velocity profile at maximum drag reduction is not logarithmic as has been assumed since the 1960s.

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Why is it important?

Adding polymer solution to liquid boundary layers, which includes the flow around a ship hull, can significantly reduce the drag. This paper provides insights into how the polymer solutions change the mean velocity profile, which results in the drag reduction.