In fluid dynamics, laminar flow is defined as the smooth or regular movement of fluid particles, as opposed to turbulent flow, which is defined as the uneven movement of fluid particles. There is no interruption between the layers as the fluid runs in parallel layers (with limited lateral mixing). As a result, laminar flow is also known as streamlined flow or viscous flow.
Table of Contents
Laminar vs Turbulent Flow
When a fluid is flowing through a closed channel such as a pipe or between two flat plates, either of two types of flow (laminar flow or turbulent flow) may occur depending on the velocity, viscosity of the fluid, and the size of the pipe.
Low velocities and high viscosity are conducive to laminar flow. Turbulent flow, on the other hand, occurs at high velocities and low viscosity.
Reynolds Number
In fluid mechanics, the Reynolds number is a criterion for determining whether a fluid (liquid or gas) flow is perfectly steady (streamlined or laminar) or has small unsteady variations on the average (turbulent). Flow in a pipe is generally laminar when the Reynolds number is less than roughly 2,000, but turbulent when the Reynolds number exceeds 2,000.
Actually, the transition from laminar to turbulent flow happens over a wide range of Reynolds numbers, mainly between 1,000 and 2,000 and rising to between 3,000 and 5,000.
Real Life Examples of Laminar flow
Laminar flow is a type of fluid motion in which the fluid moves in smooth, parallel layers without any disruption or mixing between adjacent layers. Here are some real-life examples of laminar flow:
| No. | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blood Flow in Blood Vessels | The smooth, layered flow of blood through veins and arteries |
| 2 | Water Flow in Pipes | The smooth, steady flow of water through smooth, straight pipes |
| 3 | Oil Flow in Machinery | The smooth, layered flow of oil through machinery to reduce friction and wear |
| 4 | Inkjet Printing | The use of laminar flow to produce consistent droplets of ink in inkjet printers |
| 5 | Airflow in Wind Tunnels | The carefully controlled laminar flow of air over objects to study their aerodynamic properties |
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Define turbulence?
Turbulence is defined as a state of instability, unpredictability, or chaos. Turbulence occurs when air flows in an unstable way, causing a plane to bounce about and passengers to have a rough ride.
2. Laminar flow definition?
Laminar flow is a form of fluid (gas or liquid) flow in which the fluid flows smoothly and in predictable patterns.
3. Laminar blood flow?
The most common state for blood flow throughout the cardiovascular system is laminar flow. Concentric layers of blood move in parallel down the length of a blood artery in this condition.
Blood flow in the body is generally laminar. Laminar flow can be disturbed and become turbulent in high-flow circumstances, notably in the ascending aorta.
4. Is the flow of air laminar or turbulent?
Even though the currents are mild, the flow of wind and rivers is often turbulent in this sense. While the air or water swirls and eddies, the bulk of it flows in a specific direction.
5. Describe the effect that radius changes have on the laminar flow of a fluid.?
When a fluid flows in parallel layers and is not turbulent, it is called laminar flow. The laminar flow will increase when the tube radius is increased. The laminar flow will be decreased as the tube radius is decreased.
6. flow of a viscous fluid over a flat plate?
If the temperature of the fluid is different from the temperature of a flat plate, the thermal boundary layer develops.
7. What are examples of laminar flow?
- Stagnant rivers and canals.
- blood flow in arteries
- oil flow through a thin tube
- smoke rising in a straight path from the incense stick
- the flow of water from a faucet is laminar at low speeds but becomes turbulent at sufficiently high speeds.
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