16. Introduction to Laminar and Turbulent Flow
The chapter discusses laminar and turbulent flow, emphasizing their distinctions based on speed and Reynolds number. It explores the conditions under which each flow type occurs in natural systems and provides mathematical definitions, focusing on the Reynolds number's significance. Important properties of laminar flow in circular pipes, including velocity profiles and calculation methodologies, are also detailed.
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Sections
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What we have learnt
- Fluid flow can be laminar or turbulent depending on the velocity and fluid properties.
- The Reynolds number is a critical dimensionless quantity that indicates whether flow is laminar or turbulent.
- Laminar flow occurs at low velocities, while turbulent flow is characterized by chaotic fluctuations.
Key Concepts
- -- Laminar Flow
- A smooth and orderly flow in which fluid moves in parallel layers, with no disruption between them.
- -- Turbulent Flow
- A chaotic flow regime characterized by vortices, eddies, and rapid variations in pressure and velocity.
- -- Reynolds Number
- A dimensionless number that helps predict flow patterns in different fluid flow situations, defined as the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces.
- -- Velocity Profile
- The variation of flow velocity across a cross-section of a flow, typically parabolic for laminar flow in circular pipes.
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