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[dropcap]H[/dropcap]ello readers, in this paper we are going to discuss the Types of Fluid
Flow. Also, we will take a look at the Definition of fluid flow, along with a little bit of
discussion on types of fluid too.
Contents
Fluid Definition:
Types of Fluids:
Types of Fluid Flow:
Fluid Definition:
A fluid is any substance that flows or deforms under applied shear stress. or The
substances which have the tendency to flow is also called as fluid.
Types of Fluids:
There are five different types of fluid has been classified:
Ideal fluid
Real fluid
Newtonian fluid
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Non-Newtonian fluid, and
Ideal plastic fluid
Ideal Fluid:
The fluid which cannot be compressed and have no viscosity falls in the category of an
ideal fluid. Ideal fluid is not found in actual practice but
It is an imaginary fluid because all the fluid that exists in the environment have some
viscosity. So, there is no ideal fluid in reality.
Real Fluid:
A fluid which is having some viscosity is called real fluid. Actually, all the fluids existing or
present in the environment are called real fluids.
Newtonian Fluid:
The Fluid which obeys Newton’s law of viscosity is known as the Newtonian fluid.
Non-Newtonian Fluid:
The Fluid which does not obey Newton’s law of viscosity is called Non-Newtonian fluid.
So now I hope you have a basic idea on what is Fluid and their types, now let’s dive into
our main topic that is Types of Fluid Flow.
1. Lagrangian Approach: In this approach, a single fluid particle is taken and its
behavior is analyzed at different sections (with respect to space).
2. Eulerian Approach: In this approach, a certain section is taken in space and the
behavior of fluid particles passing through this section is analyzed at a different
instant. We mainly use this approach in Fluid Mechanics [With respect to Time].
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One, Two, and Three -dimensional Fluid Flow
The steady flow is defined as that type of flow in which the fluid characteristics like
velocity, density, pressure, etc at a point do not change with the time.
Unsteady flow
This uniform fluid flow is defined as the type of flow in which the velocity at any given
time does not change with respect to space (i.e length of direction of the flow).
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non uniform flow
Thus the particles move in laminas or layers gliding smoothly over the adjacent layer.
This type of fluid is also called as streamline flow or viscous flow.
This Turbulent fluid flow is defined as the type of flow in which the fluid particles move
in a zig-zag way, the eddies formation takes place which is responsible for high energy
loss.
For pipe flow, The type of flow is determined by a non-dimensional number [(VD) / (ν)
nuo] called the Reynolds number.
Where,
D = Diameter of pipe
V = Mean velocity flow in a pipe
ν = Kinematic viscosity of the fluid.
If the Reynold Number is less than 2000, the flow is called Laminar flow.
Reynold Number is more than 4000, the flow is called Turbulent flow.
If the Reynold Number is lies between 2000-4000, the flow may be laminar or
turbulent.
J ≠ constant
Whereas,
Incompressible fluid flow is defined as the flow in which the density is constant which
means the density of the fluid does not change from point to point.
J = constant
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Gases are compressible fluid flow but whereas the liquid is incompressible fluid flow.
Whereas, The Ir-rotational fluid flow is defined as the type of fluid flow in which the fluid
particles while flowing along streamline and do not rotate about there own axis.
One dimensional flow is that type of flow in which the flow parameter such as velocity is a
function of time and one space co-ordinate only, say x.
Where u,v and w are velocity component in x,y and z directions respectively.
Two-dimensional fluid flow is the type of flow in which velocity is a function of time and
two rectangular space co-ordinate say x,y.
Three-dimensional fluid flow is the type of flow in which velocity is a function of time and
three mutually perpendicular directions. The function of 3 space coordinates (x,y,z).
FAQ:
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What are properties of Fluids?
The properties of fluid are:
Media Credits:
All the images used in this paper are made by Learn Mechanical under
Creative Common License [Attribution Needed].
Feature Image: Designed by the author.
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