Fully Developed Flow: Laminar vs Turbulent

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SUMMARY

The definition of fully developed flow differs between laminar and turbulent regimes, primarily due to variations in entrance length and velocity profiles. A fully developed flow is characterized by a constant velocity profile along the stream coordinate, with the caveat that all fluid parameters, including temperature and concentration gradients, must remain uniform except for the pressure gradient. This nuanced definition highlights the importance of viscosity independence from temperature for achieving fully developed flow. The discussion reveals a gap in existing literature regarding a comprehensive definition that encompasses both thermal and concentration boundary layers.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of laminar and turbulent flow dynamics
  • Familiarity with velocity profile concepts in fluid mechanics
  • Knowledge of pressure gradients and shear resistance in pipes
  • Basic principles of thermal and concentration boundary layers
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the differences in entrance length for laminar vs turbulent flow
  • Study the impact of temperature gradients on fluid viscosity
  • Explore the concept of momentum transfer in fully developed flow
  • Investigate existing literature on thermal and concentration boundary layers
USEFUL FOR

Fluid mechanics students, engineers working with pipe flow systems, and researchers interested in the dynamics of fully developed flow in various conditions.

Kensiber
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Does the definition of fully developed flow is different for laminar and turbulent?
I understand the fact that the entrance length are different in laminar and turbulent flows, but I believe the definition of fully hydrodynamically developed flow means that the velocity profile (hence momentum) doesn’t change with respect to the stream coordinate.
Please give some insights?
Thanks

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That sounds correct to me. Why did you think something else was possible?
 
I thought this definition of "fully developed flow" may change with the temperature gradient and concentration gradient between the fluid and pipe wall. Otherwise, it should be defined as follows.
"Except the pressure gradient in the pipe section (which balances shear resistance to sustain uniform velocity profile) all fluid parameters such as temperature and concentration difference must be zero to have a fully developed flow." I couldn't find something similar to this definition in any textbooks. [there are explanations about concentration and thermal boundary layers separately, but couldn't see one description including all these phenomena]
 
Well, if the temperature is varying radially, it must also be changing axially, so the flow can't be fully developed unless the viscosity is independent of temperature. At least, that is my take on this.
 
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