What is laminar flow & turbulent flow?/Difference between laminar & turbulent flow in a fluid.

There are two main types of flow of a fluid based on their particle movements.

They are, 

 1. Laminar flow:

When the particles of the fluid move parallel to each other without crossing one another's line of movement is called laminar flow. The particle always moves in the same direction & they do not disturb one another.

The other characteristic that describes the laminar flow is,

1. In laminar flow, Reynold's number is less than or equal to 2300.

2. The flow of fluid is orderly, smooth & in a regular pattern.

3. There is no variation in the velocity & pressure of the fluid.

4. The laminar flow usually happens in a smaller sectional area at a lower velocity.

The eg. for the laminar flow is the movement of water in a pipe of a uniform sectional area at a low velocity.

2. Turbulent flow:

When the particles of the fluid are moving in a zig-zag pattern and are not parallel to each other is called turbulent flow.

The other characteristic that describes the turbulent flow is,

1. In turbulent flow, Reynold's number is always greater than 4000.

2. There is a huge variation in the velocity & pressure of the fluid.

3. The fluid flow is irregular & they cross the path of one another.

4. The turbulent flow usually happens in a larger sectional area at a higher velocity.

The best example of turbulent flow is the movement of water in a flooded river.

Thank you for going through this article ❤. Have a good day 😄.

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