Time evolution of surface roughness in pipes due to mass transfer under different Reynolds numbers

Experiments were performed using a dissolving wall method to characterize the development of surface roughness in pipes at Reynolds number from 50,000 to 200,000. The test sections had a lining of gypsum that dissolved to flowing water in a closed flow loop. The tests were run over sequential time periods for each Reynolds number. At the end of each time period, the inner surface topography was measured using X-ray CT scans. Scallops are seen …