Group 2 Mech
Group 2 Mech
Group 2 Mech
REYNOLDS NUMBER
WHAT IS REYNOLD’S NUMBER?
• In fluid mechanics, the Reynolds number (Re) is a dimensionless quantity that helps predict fluid
flow patterns in different situations by measuring the ratio between inertial and viscous forces.
At low Reynolds numbers, flows tend to be dominated by laminar (sheet-like) flow, while at high
Reynolds numbers, flows tend to be turbulent.
• FORMULA: RE=pvl/u
• The turbulence results from differences in the fluid's speed and direction, which may sometimes
intersect or even move counter to the overall direction of the flow (eddy currents). These eddy
currents begin to churn the flow, using up energy in the process, which for liquids increases the
chances of cavitation.
THREE REGIME OF REYNOLD’S NUMBER
• The turbulent flow regime is at the other end of the flow spectrum corresponding to very fast flow rates. Turbulence is
one of the most mathematically complex areas of fluid dynamics, generally requiring numerical techniques and
specialized models to examine flow behavior. When turbulence arises, fluid flow becomes convective (vortical) during
flow, which arises in the boundary layer and begins growing in expanse along the flow direction. Turbulent flow behavior
is not necessarily random, although statistical approaches can be used to quantify the amount of turbulence.
• Instead of being random, the specific trajectory of turbulent flow is deterministic and can be predicted, but it is highly
sensitive to initial conditions and boundary conditions. In addition, flow that is ostensibly laminar could quickly turn
turbulent given small changes in the system parameter (orientation, density, flow rate, etc.). An excellent example occurs
in aerodynamics, where airflow over an airfoil can become turbulent as the angle of attack changes, even though other
flow parameters remain unchanged.
SAMPLE PICTURE:
TRANSITION REGION
• There is a region of Reynold number values called a transition region, wherein the flow behavior begins to
change from laminar to turbulent. This should underscore that there is no sharp dividing line between the
laminar regime to turbulence; the typical behavior observed in turbulent flow eventually becomes dominant at
high Reynolds numbers. The exact range of Reynolds numbers is system-specific and fluid-specific, and even
very similar systems could have very different Reynolds number values beyond which turbulence becomes
dominant.
• The underlying physics that causes a fluid to begin behaving turbulent versus laminar as a function of Reynolds
number is still a matter of investigation. As a result, there have been many models developed that attempt to
model and understand the mechanism governing the transition from laminar to turbulent flow. A good overview
of contemporary transitional flow models can be found in the following reference:
SAMPLE PICTURE:
MEMBERS:
• Angelo gammad
• Devon floranda
• Karl david parado