Reynolds' Number

The Reynolds number (NRe) is defined as the ratio of fluid momentum force to
viscous shear force.

From: Natural Gas Engineering Handbook (Second Edition), 2005

Related terms:

Turbulence, Airfoil, Boundary Layer, Viscosity, Nusselt Number, Friction Factor,

Heat Transfer Coefficient, Nanofluid

View all Topics

Situational Problems in MPD

Bill Rehm, ... Jerome Schubert, in Managed Pressure Drilling, 2008

Reynolds Number
The Reynolds number is the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces. The Reynolds
number is a dimensionless number used to categorize the fluids systems in which
the effect of viscosity is important in controlling the velocities or the flow pattern of
a fluid. Mathematically, the Reynolds number, NRe, is defined as

(2.6)

where

The Reynolds number is used to determine whether a fluid is in laminar or turbulent

flow. Based on the API 13D recommendations, it is assumed that a Reynolds number
less than or equal to 2100 indicates laminar flow, and a Reynolds number greater
than 2100 indicates turbulent flow. In field units, the equation for calculating the
Reynolds number becomes

(2.7)

where
Depending on which rheological model is used, the associated correlation for the
Reynolds number may vary. Table 2.1 presents the different expressions, which
correlate the Reynolds number.

Table 2.1. Reynolds Number Terms

Pipe Annulus
Newtonian model:

Bingham plastic model:

Power law model:

API 13D model (2003):

Herschel–Bulkley model:

> Read full chapter

Fluid Flow in Pipes

E. Shashi Menon, in Transmission Pipeline Calculations and Simulations Manual,
2015

3 Liquid: Reynolds Number

Flow in a liquid pipeline may be smooth, laminar flow also known as viscous flow.
In this type of flow, the liquid flows in layers or laminations without causing eddies
or turbulence. If the pipe is transparent and we inject a dye into the flowing stream,
it would flow smoothly in a straight line confirming smooth or laminar flow. As the
liquid flow rate is increased, the velocity increases and the flow will change from
laminar flow to turbulent flow with eddies and disturbances. This can be seen clearly
when a dye is injected into the flowing stream.

An important dimensionless parameter called the Reynolds number is used in

classifying the type of flow in pipelines.

Reynolds number of flow, R, is calculated as follows:

(5.14)

where:

V – average velocity, ft/s

D – pipe internal diameter, ft
– liquid density, slugs/ft3
μ – absolute viscosity, lb-s/ft2
R – Reynolds number is a dimensionless value

Because of, the kinematic viscosity  = μ/ , the Reynolds number can also be
expressed as

(5.15)

where:

– kinematic viscosity, ft2/s

Care should be taken to ensure that proper units are used in Eqns (5.14) and (5.15)
such that R is dimensionless.

Flow-through pipes are classified into three main flow regimes.

1. Laminar flow – R < 2000

2. Critical flow – R > 2000 and R < 4000

3. Turbulent flow – R > 4000

Depending upon the Reynolds number, flow-through pipes will fall in one of these
three flow regimes. Let us first examine the concepts of the Reynolds number.
Sometimes an R value of 2100 is used as the limit of laminar flow.

Using customary units in the pipeline industry, the Reynolds number can be
calculated using the following formula:

(5.16)

where:

Q – flow rate, bbl/day

D – internal diameter, in
– kinematic viscosity, cSt

Equation (5.16) is simply a modified form of Eqn (5.15) after performing conversions
to commonly used pipeline units. R is still a dimensionless value.

Another version of the Reynolds number in English units is as follows:

(5.17)

where:

Q – flow rate, gal/min

D – internal diameter, in
– kinematic viscosity, cSt

A similar equation for the Reynolds number in SI units is

(5.18)

where

Q – flow rate, m3/h

D – internal diameter, mm
– kinematic viscosity, cSt

As indicated previously, if the Reynolds number is less than 2000, the flow is
considered to be laminar. This is also known as viscous flow. This means that the
various layers of liquid flow without turbulence in the form of laminations. We will
now illustrate the various flow regimes using an example.

Consider a 16-in pipeline, 0.250-in wall thickness transporting a liquid of viscosity

250 cSt. At a flow rate of 50,000 bbl/day, the Reynolds number is, using Eqn (5.16),

Because R is less than 2000, this flow is laminar. If the flow rate is tripled to
150,000 bbl/day, the Reynolds number becomes 3570 and the flow will be in the
critical region. At flow rates above 168,040 bbl/day, the Reynolds number exceeds
4000 and the flow will be in the turbulent region. Thus, for this 16-in pipeline and
given liquid viscosity of 250 cSt, flow will be fully turbulent at flow rates above
168,040 bbl/day.

As the flow rate and velocity increase, the flow regime changes. With a change in
flow regime, the energy lost from pipe friction increases. At laminar flow, there is
less frictional energy lost compared to turbulent flow.

> Read full chapter

Fluids
Bastian E. Rapp, in Microfluidics: Modelling, Mechanics and Mathematics, 2017

9.9.8 Reynolds Number

The Reynolds number is one of the most important dimensionless quantities in
microfluidics. It correlates the inertia forces to the viscous forces. The Reynolds
number was first described by Reynolds in 1883 [5], although others have used the
quantity before, e.g., Stokes [6]. It is defined as
(Eq. 9.20)

The Reynolds number is important for describing the transport properties of a fluid
or a particle moving in a fluid. As an example, for very small organism, e.g., bacteria,
the Reynolds number is very small, typically in the range of 1 × 10−6. Given the
small dimensions, these objects do not have a significant inertia and are thus
mainly driven by the viscous forces of the fluid. For such objects, a fluid would feel
significantly more rigid, i.e., it would be difficult for a bacteria to force a path
through a moving fluid not following the streamlines. As the objects grow larger,
their inertia starts to dominate over the viscous forces. For most fish, the Reynolds
number is in the range of 1 × 105, for a human it is in the range of 1 × 106. At higher
Reynolds numbers, an object is able to force its way through a flow field even across
the streamlines. A good example is a large vessel or ship (with Reynolds numbers in
the range of 1 × 109) compared to a folded origami or paper boat: the large vessel can
force its way through the current and the waves, whereas the light paper boat would
not be able to do so. Rather it has to stay with the streamline and will be dragged
along.

As the Reynolds number is so important for microfluidics, we will detail its meaning
and application when discussing the concept of dimensional analysis in section
11.8.3.

> Read full chapter

Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

Robert Whittlesey, in Wind Energy Engineering, 2017

10.3.6 Blade Reynolds Number

The Reynolds number is a commonly used nondimensional parameter in fluid
mechanics, which describes the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces. In the
context of VAWTs, the Reynolds number is defined using the kinematic viscosity of
the air, the freestream velocity of the wind, and the chord length of the blade as
follows:

where c is the chord length, is the freestream velocity of the wind, and is the
kinematic viscosity. Using this definition of the Reynolds number, Kirke suggests
that low Reynolds numbers contribute to difficulty in the self-starting of a VAWT.
Hence larger Reynolds numbers are desired. Additional research in this area by
Brusca et al. found a similar result: increasing the Reynolds number increased the
power coefficient of a given VAWT [18].

In practice, this advice is synonymous with ensuring that (1) the wind velocity
magnitude is high and (2) the blade chord, which is proportional to the blade area, is
large. However, it is not clear if the fault is in the wind velocity or if there is actually
a Reynolds number dependence on performance (e.g., transition to turbulence or
drag buckets). This should also be considered in more detail.

> Read full chapter

Basic Flow Measurement Laws

Paul J. LaNasa, E. Loy Upp, in Fluid Flow Measurement (Third Edition), 2014

Reynolds Number
The Reynolds number is a useful tool for relating how a meter will react to a variation
in fluids from gases to liquids. Since an impossible amount of research would be
required to test every meter on every fluid we wish to measure, it is desirable that a
relationship between fluid factors be known. Reynolds’ work in 1883 defines these
relationships through his Reynolds number, which is defined by the equation:

(2.6)

where:

Re=Reynolds number, a dimensionless number;

=density of the fluid;
D=diameter of the passage way;
v=velocity of the fluid;
μ=viscosity of the fluid.

Note: All parameters are given in the same units, so that when multiplied together
they all cancel out, and the Reynolds number has no units. Units in the pound, foot,
second system are shown below:

Re=no units;
=#/cubic feet;
D=feet;
v=feet/sec;
μ=#/foot-sec.
Based on Reynolds’ work, the flow profile (which affects all velocity-sensitive meters
and some linear meters) has several important values. At values of 2,000 and below,
the flow profile is bullet-shaped (parabolic). Between 2,000 and 4,000 the flow is in
the transition region. At 4,000 and above the flow is in the turbulent flow area and
the profiles are fairly flat. Thus, calculation of the Reynolds number will define the
flow velocity pattern and approximate limits of the meter’s application. To completely
define the meter’s application there must be no deformed profiles, such as after an
elbow or where upstream piping has imparted swirl to the stream.

These effects will be further discussed in the sections covering the description and
application of different meters, in Chapters 8, 9, and 10Chapter 8Chapter 9Chapter
10, and the equations will be covered more thoroughly later in this book.

These equations can be combined and rewritten in simplified forms. However, it is

important to recognize the assumptions which have been made, so that if a metering
situation deviates from what has been assumed, a “flag will go up” to indicate that
the effect of Reynolds number must be evaluated and treated.

> Read full chapter

Transportation
Dr.Boyun Guo, Dr.Ali Ghalambor, in Natural Gas Engineering Handbook (Second
Edition), 2005

11.2.1.2 Reynolds Number

The Reynolds number (NRe) is defined as the ratio of fluid momentum force to
viscous shear force. The Reynolds number can be expressed as a dimensionless
group defined as

(11.5)

where

D = pipe ID, ft
u = fluid velocity, ft/sec
= fluid density, lbm/ft3
μ = fluid viscosity, lbm/ft-sec

The Reynolds number can be used as a parameter to distinguish between laminar

and turbulent fluid flow. The change from laminar to turbulent flow is usually
assumed to occur at a Reynolds number of 2,100 for flow in a circular pipe. If U.S.
field units of ft for diameter, ft/sec for velocity, lbm/ft3 for density and centipoises for
viscosity are used, the Reynolds number equation becomes

(11.6)

If a gas of specific gravity g and viscosity μ (cp) is flowing in a pipe with an inner
diameter D (in) at flow rate q (Mcfd) measured at base conditions of Tb (°R) and pb
(psia), the Reynolds number can be expressed as:

(11.7)

As Tb is 520 °R and pb varies only from 14.4 psia to 15.025 psia in the United States,
the value of 711pb/Tb varies between 19.69 and 20.54. For all practical purposes, the
Reynolds number for natural gas flow problems may be expressed as

(11.8)

where

q = gas flow rate at 60 °F and 14.73 psia, Mcfd

g = gas-specific gravity (air = 1)
μ = gas viscosity at in-situ temperature and pressure, cp
D = pipe diameter, in

> Read full chapter

Liquids—Hydraulics
In Pipeline Rules of Thumb Handbook (Eighth Edition), 2014

Nomograph for calculating Reynolds number for flow of liquids

and friction factor for clean steel and wrought iron pipe
The nomograph (Figure 1) permits calculation of the Reynolds number for liquids
and the corresponding friction factor for clean steel and wrought iron pipe.
Figure 1. Reynolds number for liquid flow friction factor for clean steel and wrought
iron pipe.(Reproduced by permission, Tech. Paper, 410, Crane Co., copyright 1957).

The Reynolds number is defined as:

where: Re = Reynolds number

d = Inside pipe diameter, in.

q = Volumetric flow rate, cu. ft/sec
Q = Volumetric flow rate, gal/min
 = Fluid density, lb/cubic ft
μ = Fluid viscosity, centipoise
μa = Fluid viscosity, lb/(ft)(sec)
v = Average fluid velocity, ft/sec
w = Mass rate of flow, lb/hr

Example
Given:

water at 200°F

d = 4-in. schedule 40 steel pipe

Q = 415 gal/min
 = 60.13 lb/cubic ft
μ = 0.3 centipoises

Obtain the Reynolds number and the friction factor.

Connect With Mark or Read

Q = 415  = 60.13 W = 200,000

W = 200,000 d = 4-in. schedule 40 Index

Index mark μ = 0.3 Re = 1,000,000

At Re = 1,000,000 read f = 0.017 from the graph on the center of the nomograph.

Figure 2 is an enlarged version of the friction factor chart, based on Moody's data1
for commercial steel and wrought iron. This chart can be used instead of the smaller
version shown in Figure 1.
Figure 2. Friction factors for clean commercial steel and wrought iron pipe.(Repro-
duced by permission, Tech. Paper, 410, Crane Co., 1957.)

> Read full chapter

The Anatomy of the Airfoil

Snorri Gudmundsson BScAE, MScAE, FAA DER(ret.), in General Aviation Aircraft
Design, 2014

Reynolds Number
The Reynolds number (Re) is a measure of the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces
in a fluid flow. It is of great importance in the analysis of the boundary layer. It is
defined as follows:

Reynolds number:(8-28)whereL = reference length (e.g. wing chord being

analyzed), in ft or mV = reference airspeed, in ft/s or m/s = air density, in
slugs/ft3 or kg/m3μ = air viscosity, in lbf·s/ft2 or N·s/m2

A simple expression, valid for the UK system at sea-level conditions only, is (V and L
are in ft/s and ft, respectively):

(8-29)

For the SI system at sea-level conditions only, the expression becomes (V and L are
in m/s and m, respectively):

(8-30)

> Read full chapter

Fluid Flow
A. Kayode Coker, in Fortran Programs for Chemical Process Design, Analysis, and
Simulation, 1995

The Overall Pressure Drop

Designers involved in sizing process piping often apply trial and error procedure.
The designer first selects a pipe size and then calculates the

Reynolds number, friction factor, and coefficient of resistance. The pressure drop
per 100 feet of pipe is then computed. For a given volumetric rate and physical
properties of a single-phase fluid, ΔP100 for laminar and turbulent flows is:

laminar flow

(3-16)

turbulent flow

(3-17)

Alternatively, for a given mass flow rate and physical properties of a single-phase
fluid, ΔP100 for laminar and turbulent flows respectively is:

laminar flow
(3-18)

turbulent flow

(3-19)

Multiplying Equations 3-16, 3-17, 3-18, and 3-19 by the total length between two
points and adding the pipe elevation yields the overall pressure drop.

(3-20)

Equation 3-20 is valid for compressible isothermal fluids of shorter lines where
pressure drops are no more than 10% of the upstream pressure. In general, pipe
size for a given flow rate is often selected on the assumption that the overall pressure
drop is close to or less than the available pressure difference between two points in
the line.

> Read full chapter

Wing Design
Pasquale Sforza, in Commercial Airplane Design Principles, 2014

5.4.5 Reynolds number in flight

The Reynolds number based on the chord length may be written in terms of the
Mach number V/V* as follows:

(5.27)

Using the information on the atmosphere presented in Appendix B, one may

determine the ratio V*/ as a function of altitude and then show that Rec/Mc =-
 7 × 106exp(−z/32,000), where z is the altitude in feet, represents a good fit to the
atmospheric data. For typical commercial aircraft applications the Reynolds number
per foot of chord length lies between 1.5 and 2 million per foot, as illustrated
in Figure 5.21. Note that for the major operations of takeoff and cruise, the
unit Reynolds numbers for turboprop and turbofan airliners fall in the range of
1.5–2 million per foot. The data given in Table 5.5 show that the mean aerodynamic
chord for turboprop aircraft lies in the range 6.9 ft < cMAC < 10.6 ft and for turbofan
airliners in the range of 13.3 ft < cMAC < 26.9 ft, while for very large aircraft the
range is 30.6 ft < cMAC < 40.33 ft. Thus the actual Reynolds number based on
mean aerodynamic chord is 10–20 million for turboprop airliners, 20–54 million for
turbofan airliners, and 45–80 million for very large aircraft like the B747 and A380.
 Note that for highly tapered wings the outboard chords may be considerably smaller
than the mean aerodynamic chord and will experience lower Reynolds numbers.
For example, with a taper ratio  = 0.4 the tip chord ct   0.4cMAC. During low-speed
operations like landing and takeoff, high lift devices such as flaps and slats are
deployed. Because the characteristic lengths of these elements are considerably
smaller than the local wing chord they will be operating at lower Reynolds number
and therefore more susceptible to flow separation and stalling.

Figure 5.21. The variation of unit Reynolds number Re/cMAC is shown for typical
commercial aircraft applications.

In the limited Reynolds number range achieved for the smooth NACA airfoils,
3 × 106 < Rec < 9 × 106, the maximum lift coefficient has its lowest value at
3 × 106 and then increases to a constant value for Reynolds numbers of 6 × 106 and
9 × 106. The general trend is for cl,max to increase slowly, if at all, with increases in
Reynolds number and for that increase to be more substantial for thicker sections.
This is understandable because as the Reynolds number increases the boundary layer
effects become relatively weaker allowing the flow to remain attached to the airfoil
for longer distances along the airfoil surface. The lift of an airfoil depends primarily
on keeping the flow attached to the airfoil while friction drag itself weakly influences
the lift of an airfoil. However, little experimental data are available at higher Reynolds
numbers, being limited to about 25 million in the traditional variable-density wind
tunnels, but rising to as much as 100 million in cryogenic wind tunnels, as previously
described in Section 5.2.2.

> Read full chapter

ScienceDirect is Elsevier’s leading information solution for researchers.

Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. or its licensors or contributors. ScienceDirect ® is a registered trademark of Elsevier B.V. Terms and conditions apply.