Reynolds number
Reynolds number
The Reynolds number (Re; pronounced /ˈrɛnəldz/) is a dimensionless quantity in fluid mechanics used to predict the onset of turbulence in a fluid flow. It is named after the British scientist Osborne Reynolds (1842–1912), who introduced this concept.
Etymology
The term "Reynolds number" is derived from the name of its introducer, Osborne Reynolds. He was a prominent innovator in the understanding of fluid dynamics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Definition
The Reynolds number is defined as the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces and is used to predict the transition from laminar to turbulent flow. It is given by the formula:
Re = ρuD/μ
where:
- ρ is the density of the fluid (kg/m³),
- u is the velocity of the fluid with respect to the object (m/s),
- D is a characteristic linear dimension (m),
- μ is the dynamic viscosity of the fluid (Pa·s or N·s/m² or kg/(m·s)).
Applications
The Reynolds number is widely used in physics and engineering, particularly in the study of fluid dynamics and heat transfer. It helps in predicting the flow patterns in different fluid systems, such as pipes, channels, and around objects.
Related terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Reynolds number
- Wikipedia's article - Reynolds number
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