Reynold's Number: Understanding Laminar Flow in Smooth Pipes

In summary, the conversation discusses how laminar flow can be maintained at higher Reynolds numbers in smooth pipes by avoiding flow disturbances and pipe vibrations. The Reynold's number, which is the ratio of inertia forces to viscous forces, can become dominant at high values and cause the flow to become turbulent. However, the transition from laminar to turbulent is not precisely defined by a certain Reynolds number and is instead predicted by engineering empirical guidelines. By understanding the factors that can cause the transition, such as pipe smoothness and vibration, it is possible to push the transition to a higher Reynolds flow for a given geometry. This has been encountered in practice.
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Homework Statement


I was told that the laminar flow can be maintained at much higher Reynold 's number in very smooth pipes by avoiding flow disturbances and pipe vibrations.
the Reynold's number is the ratio of inertia forces to viscous force , in high Reynold's number of inertia force will become dominant , thus the flow is highly distributed , how can flow still be laminar ? it must be turbulent , am i right ?

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The Attempt at a Solution

 
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The transition from laminar to turbulent is not given precisely by a certain Reynolds number. Rather, the transition is predicted by engineering empirical guidelines. As these are empirically derived, there is room for flows to exist outside the norms encountered in the experiments used to create those guidelines.

An understanding of the factors that trip the flow to turbulent, such as pipe smoothness and vibration, means we can say that if those values are far lower than the norm then we could push the transition to a higher Reynolds flow for a given geometry. I have encountered this in practice.
 
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1. What is Reynold's Number?

Reynold's Number is a dimensionless quantity that is used to predict the type of flow in a fluid system, specifically in smooth pipes. It is calculated by taking the product of the fluid's density, velocity, and diameter, and dividing it by its dynamic viscosity.

2. Why is Reynold's Number important?

Reynold's Number is important because it helps determine the type of flow in a fluid system, whether it is laminar or turbulent. This information is crucial in many engineering applications, such as designing pipes for efficient fluid transport.

3. What is laminar flow?

Laminar flow is a type of flow in which the fluid particles move in smooth, parallel layers with no mixing or crossing over. This type of flow occurs at low Reynold's Numbers, when the fluid's viscosity dominates over its inertia.

4. What is turbulent flow?

Turbulent flow is a type of flow in which the fluid particles move in a chaotic, random manner with high levels of mixing and cross-flow. This type of flow occurs at high Reynold's Numbers, when the fluid's inertia dominates over its viscosity.

5. How is Reynold's Number used to understand laminar flow in smooth pipes?

Reynold's Number is used to determine the critical value at which transition from laminar to turbulent flow occurs in smooth pipes. This critical value, known as the critical Reynold's Number, is approximately 2300. Below this value, the flow is laminar, and above it, the flow is turbulent.

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