How Does Reynolds Number Change Along a Pipe's Length?

AI Thread Summary
The Reynolds number (Re) in a pipe changes along its length primarily due to variations in flow velocity and boundary layer development. As the boundary layer thickens, the freestream velocity increases, which in turn raises the local inertial forces relative to viscous forces. This results in a higher Reynolds number, indicating a transition from laminar to turbulent flow. The discussion emphasizes that assuming constant density and viscosity, the Reynolds number is directly proportional to flow velocity. Overall, as the flow progresses, the increasing velocity and boundary layer effects significantly influence the Reynolds number.
Jonny6001
Messages
18
Reaction score
0
Hello, can someone tell me how the reynolds number for flow through a pipe change along it's length? Is the only method that the boundary layer gets thicker along the pipe so the freestream velocity increases? Assuming no gas temperature change along the pipe's length.
From thinking of the actual definition of the reynolds number, the ratio of inertial to viscous forces, I can see that the higher free stream flow in the thicker boundary layer regions would increase the local inertia force of the gas.

I would like someone just to clarify.

Thanks a lot.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
My basic understanding as per the formula is Re no proportional to velocity.If considering density,c/s and viscocity factors constant,Re no depends upon velocity.Thus as the velocity increases,boundary layer thickness vanishes to zero,flow becomes turbulent and Re no is higher.

Only first part of your Q was understandable.
 
How did you find PF?: Via Google search Hi, I have a vessel I 3D printed to investigate single bubble rise. The vessel has a 4 mm gap separated by acrylic panels. This is essentially my viewing chamber where I can record the bubble motion. The vessel is open to atmosphere. The bubble generation mechanism is composed of a syringe pump and glass capillary tube (Internal Diameter of 0.45 mm). I connect a 1/4” air line hose from the syringe to the capillary The bubble is formed at the tip...
Thread 'Physics of Stretch: What pressure does a band apply on a cylinder?'
Scenario 1 (figure 1) A continuous loop of elastic material is stretched around two metal bars. The top bar is attached to a load cell that reads force. The lower bar can be moved downwards to stretch the elastic material. The lower bar is moved downwards until the two bars are 1190mm apart, stretching the elastic material. The bars are 5mm thick, so the total internal loop length is 1200mm (1190mm + 5mm + 5mm). At this level of stretch, the load cell reads 45N tensile force. Key numbers...
I'd like to create a thread with links to 3-D Printer resources, including printers and software package suggestions. My motivations are selfish, as I have a 3-D printed project that I'm working on, and I'd like to buy a simple printer and use low cost software to make the first prototype. There are some previous threads about 3-D printing like this: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/are-3d-printers-easy-to-use-yet.917489/ but none that address the overall topic (unless I've missed...
Back
Top