Laminar Flow

on . Posted in Fluid Dynamics

Laminar flow generally happens when dealing with low Reynolds numbers in pipes.  Laminar flow, also known as streamline flow, is a type of fluid flow in which the fluid moves in parallel layers, with no or minimal mixing between the layers.  In laminar flow, the fluid particles move smoothly and steadily along fixed paths, without any turbulence or eddies.  Laminar flow occurs when the fluid moves slowly and the viscosity of the fluid is high enough to prevent turbulence from developing.  It is often described as a well behaved flow, as it is predictable and easy to analyze mathematically.

One of the key characteristics of laminar flow is that the velocity of the fluid is constant across any given cross-section of the flow.  This means that there is no net flow of fluid in any direction perpendicular to the direction of flow.  Laminar flow is important in many areas of science and engineering, including fluid dynamics, chemical engineering, and aerospace engineering.  It is often used in situations where a smooth, controlled flow of fluid is required, such as in the design of pipes, valves, and pumps, as well as in the development of new materials and technologies.

 

Laminarflow

 

Shear stress in laminar flow is independent of the density - ρ, and the shear stress depends almost only on the viscosity - μ.

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Tags: Flow Laminar Flow