18. Laminar and turbulent flow (Cond.)
The chapter discusses the fundamentals of laminar and turbulent flow in hydraulic engineering, detailing the characteristics, governing equations, and practical implications of each flow condition. Key problems are solved to illustrate the application of related concepts, such as maximum velocity, pressure drop, shear stress, and terminal velocity of particles in fluid. Moreover, it introduces Reynolds decomposition to describe turbulent flow, emphasizing the transition between laminar and turbulent regimes.
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Sections
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What we have learnt
- Laminar flow is characterized by parallel layers of fluid, whereas turbulent flow involves chaotic fluctuations.
- The maximum velocity in laminar flow can be derived using known equations, which relate shear stress and pressure gradients.
- Reynolds number is critical for determining the flow regime, with specific thresholds marking the transition from laminar to turbulent flow.
Key Concepts
- -- Laminar Flow
- A type of fluid flow where the fluid moves in smooth paths or layers with minimal disturbance between them.
- -- Turbulent Flow
- A type of fluid flow characterized by chaotic property changes, including rapid variation of pressure and flow velocity.
- -- Reynolds Number
- A dimensionless quantity used to predict flow patterns in different fluid flow situations.
- -- Terminal Velocity
- The constant speed achieved by an object freely falling through a fluid when the force of gravity is balanced by the drag force.
- -- Stokes Law
- An equation that gives the drag force experienced by a sphere moving through a viscous fluid, applicable in the creeping flow regime.
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