Laminar flow
Laminar Flow
Laminar flow (pronunciation: /ˈlæmɪnər floʊ/), also known as streamline flow, is a type of flow regime of a fluid in which the fluid travels smoothly or in regular paths, in contrast to turbulent flow, where the fluid undergoes irregular fluctuations and mixing.
Etymology
The term "laminar flow" was derived from the Latin word "lamina", which means "layer". This is because in laminar flow, the fluid moves in layers or "laminae".
Definition
In laminar flow, the velocity, pressure, and other flow properties at each point in the fluid remain constant. Laminar flow is characterized by the smooth, regular paths of particles of the fluid. The paths of different particles never cross each other.
Related Terms
- Fluid dynamics: The study of the movement of fluids, including their interactions as two fluids come into contact with each other.
- Reynolds number: A dimensionless quantity used in fluid mechanics to predict the flow regime, especially the onset of turbulence.
- Viscosity: A measure of a fluid's resistance to shear or flow, and a measure of the friction between adjacent fluid particles.
- Turbulent flow: A type of fluid (gas or liquid) flow in which the fluid undergoes irregular fluctuations, or mixing, in contrast to laminar flow.
Applications
Laminar flow is desirable in some contexts, such as in the aerodynamics of aircraft wings or the blood flow in large blood vessels. It is also important in the design of cleanrooms for the semiconductor industry.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Laminar flow
- Wikipedia's article - Laminar flow
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