Fluid Mechanics: Inviscid flow v.s. Laminar flow

In summary, inviscid flow is flow without friction and laminar flow is characterized by a low Reynolds number. Laminar flow is dominated by viscous forces while turbulent flow is dominated by inertial forces.
  • #1
xypheral
1
0
Hey guys, I am kind of confused here but can you guys define for me inviscid flow and laminar flow?

In my understanding, inviscid flow is when viscous effect is very weak and laminar flow is when reynolds number is in general, less than 2300. In that effect, does that mean that viscosity for laminar flow is in general higher than that for inviscid flow?

thx a lot! =)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Inviscid flow means flow without friction, so viscosity is completely disregarded.

Laminar flow is, like you said, dealing with the Reynolds number. A much higher Re would get you turbulent flow.

Basically the difference between laminar flow and turbulent flow, upon examining what the Re is comprised of, is the dominance of the forces.

Re is basically inertial forces/viscous forces acting upon the fluid.

Laminar flow, with a lower Re, basically has a fluid that is more dominated by viscous forces, whereas turbulent flow is more dominated by its inertial force.
 
  • #3


Hello there,

I am glad to see your interest in fluid mechanics. Inviscid flow and laminar flow are two different types of flow that occur in fluids. Inviscid flow refers to a flow in which there is no viscosity, or resistance to flow, present. This type of flow is idealized and does not occur in real fluids, but it is useful for theoretical analysis. On the other hand, laminar flow occurs when the fluid flows in smooth layers, with no mixing between them. This type of flow is characterized by low Reynolds numbers, as you mentioned.

To answer your question, the viscosity for laminar flow is not necessarily higher than that for inviscid flow. In fact, laminar flow occurs in fluids with low viscosity, such as air or water. The key difference between these two types of flow is the presence or absence of viscosity.

I hope this helps clarify the difference between inviscid flow and laminar flow. Keep exploring and learning about fluid mechanics, it's a fascinating subject!
 
  • #4


Hello there! Great question about fluid mechanics. Let me break down the concepts of inviscid flow and laminar flow for you.

Inviscid flow refers to the flow of a fluid without any viscosity, or resistance to flow, present. This type of flow is often used in theoretical models and calculations because it simplifies the equations and makes them easier to solve. In reality, however, all fluids have some level of viscosity, so inviscid flow is an idealized concept.

On the other hand, laminar flow is a type of flow where the fluid moves in smooth, parallel layers without any mixing or turbulence. This type of flow is typically observed at low velocities and is characterized by a low Reynolds number, as you mentioned. In laminar flow, the viscosity of the fluid is a significant factor in determining the flow behavior.

So to answer your question, the viscosity for laminar flow is generally higher than that for inviscid flow because in laminar flow, the fluid's viscosity plays a crucial role in determining the flow behavior. In inviscid flow, however, viscosity is assumed to be negligible.

I hope this helps clarify the difference between inviscid flow and laminar flow for you. Keep up the curiosity and keep exploring the fascinating world of fluid mechanics!
 

What is the difference between inviscid flow and laminar flow?

Inviscid flow is a type of fluid flow where there is no viscosity, or internal friction, in the fluid. This means that there is no resistance to the movement of the fluid particles. In contrast, laminar flow is a type of fluid flow where the fluid particles move in smooth, parallel layers with little to no mixing between them.

Which type of flow is more common in real-life situations?

Laminar flow is more common in real-life situations because most fluids have some level of viscosity and therefore, inviscid flow is not a realistic representation. However, there are certain scenarios, such as the flow of gases at high speeds, where inviscid flow can be observed.

How is the velocity profile different between inviscid and laminar flow?

In inviscid flow, the velocity profile is uniform and the fluid particles move at the same speed throughout the flow. In laminar flow, the velocity profile is parabolic, with the maximum velocity at the center of the flow and decreasing towards the edges.

What are the main factors that affect the transition from laminar to turbulent flow?

The main factors that affect the transition from laminar to turbulent flow include the fluid viscosity, the flow velocity, the surface roughness of the boundary, and the geometry of the flow. Higher viscosity and lower flow velocities tend to promote laminar flow, while lower viscosity and higher velocities tend to promote turbulent flow.

How do inviscid and laminar flow impact the drag force on an object?

Inviscid flow produces no drag force on an object, as there is no viscosity to create resistance. On the other hand, laminar flow can produce a drag force on an object, but it is typically lower than the drag force in turbulent flow. This is because laminar flow has less mixing and swirling of fluid particles, resulting in less energy loss and therefore less drag force.

Similar threads

  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
31
Views
1K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
20
Views
4K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
23K
  • Engineering and Comp Sci Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
734
  • Classical Physics
Replies
5
Views
1K
Back
Top