Flow analysis, a fascinating field in fluid mechanics, reveals flow regimes and phenomena across both small and large systems.
Types of Flow Analysis:
- Internal Flow: Example – flow within pipes (water/air).
- External Flow: Example – flow around structures like airplane wings or buildings.
Applications:
- Wear and cavitation
- Vibration and pressure changes
- Temperature and momentum effects
Flow Regimes:
Defined using the Reynolds Number (Re):
- Laminar Flow: Smooth, layered flow.
- Turbulent Flow: Chaotic flow with mixing between layers.
Reynolds Number Formula:
Re=vdρμRe=μvdρ
- vv: Average velocity
- dd: Characteristic diameter
- ρρ: Fluid density
- μμ: Dynamic viscosity