Reynolds Number

ABDUL AZIZ
UW-18-ME-BSC-030
REYNOLDS NUMBER:
 The Reynolds number is the the ratio of inertial
forces to viscous forces within a fluid which is
subjected to relative internal movement due to
different fluid velocities.
SIGNIFICANCE OF REYNOLDS NUMBER TO FLUID FLOW

 The Origin of the Reynolds number was to

predict the nature of the fluid flow. The value
obtained by calculating the fluid flow parameter
indicates its behaviour. To understand the
significance of the Reynolds number, we need to
understand external and internal flow
LAMINAR FLOW & TURBULENT FLOW :
 Laminar flow occurs at low Reynolds numbers,
where viscous forces are dominant, and is
characterized by smooth, constant fluid motion.
 Turbulent flow occurs at high Reynolds numbers
and is dominated by inertial forces, which tend to
produce chaotic eddies, vortices and other flow
instabilities.
LAMINAR FLOW & TURBULENT FLOW :
BEHAVIOUR OF FLOW:
 If the Reynolds number is less than 2000, the flow is
considered to be laminar. This is also known as viscous
flow.
 If it is greater than 3500, the flow is turbulent.
 Re=2000 (Laminar)
 Re<4000(Turbulent)
EQUATION:
 The Reynolds number is defined
 Re=PVD/μ
 Reynolds Number Dynamic Viscosity of fluid=
 Where : p is the density of the fluid (SI units: kg/m³)
 u is the flow speed (m/s)
 L is a characteristic linear dimension (m)
 µ is the dynamic viscosity of the fluid (Pa's or N.s/m² or kg/(m's))
 v is the kinematic viscosity of the fluid (m²/s).