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In fluid dynamics, laminar flow (or streamline flow) is a type of fluid flow in which the motion of the particles is smooth and parallel to one another. In turbulent flow, the particles are constantly moving in all directions. This can cause problems in the engineering and medical fields, so it’s important to be able to distinguish between these two types of flow. In this blog post, we will give an example of laminar and turbulent flow and discuss them. Stay tuned!
What are laminar flow and turbulent flow?
Laminar flow is a type of fluid flow in which the fluid flows smoothly in parallel layers with no mixing between them.
Turbulent flow, on the other hand, is a type of fluid flow in which the fluid flows chaotically, and mixing between the layers of fluid occurs.
Now that we know the difference between laminar flow and turbulent flow, let’s look at an example of each.
Examples of streamline flow or laminar flow
Some streamlining flow examples from real life include smoke, taps, fountains, aircraft, water balloons, blood flow, rivers/canals, and many more. Let’s discuss them in detail.
Smoke: The smoke that comes out of a cigarette is an example of laminar flow. The air around the cigarette is at a higher temperature than the surrounding air. As the hot air from the cigarette rises, it pushes the cooler air around it out of the way. The molecules in laminar flow move in straight lines and do not mix with each other.
Taps: When you open the tap, water comes out in a stream. This is another example of laminar flow. The water molecules move in straight lines and do not mix with each other.
Fountains: Fountains are another example of laminar flow. The water molecules move in straight lines and do not mix with each other.
Aircraft: The wings of an aircraft are designed to create laminar flow. The air molecules move in straight lines and do not mix with each other. This helps to reduce drag and increase lift.
Water balloons: When you fill a water balloon with water, the water molecules move in straight lines and do not mix with each other. This prevents the balloon from leaking.
Blood flow: Blood flow is an example of laminar flow. The blood cells move in straight lines and do not mix with each other. This helps to prevent the blood from clotting.
Rivers/Canals: Rivers and canals are examples of laminar flow. The water molecules move in straight lines and do not mix with each other. This helps to prevent the water from being polluted.
These are just a few examples of laminar or streamline flow.
Examples of turbulent flow
Some of the examples of turbulent flow from real life include car exhaust, river/canals, taps/turbines, the flow of fluid under an obstacle, air from fan/ac, blood flow in arteries, and many more. Let’s discuss the details.
Car-exhaust: When we drive a car, the exhaust coming out from the back of the car is an example of turbulent flow. The exhaust gas contains particles that are in random motion.
River/Canal: The water flowing in a river or canal (at high velocity) is an example of turbulent flow. The water molecules are constantly in motion and bumping into each other.
Taps/Turbines: When water flows through a tap or turbine, it is an example of turbulent flow. The water molecules are constantly in motion and bumping into each other.
Fluid under an obstacle: When a fluid (liquid or gas) flows under an obstacle, it is an example of turbulent flow. The fluid molecules are constantly in motion and bumping into each other.
Air from fan/ac: The air coming out from a fan or AC is an example of turbulent flow. The air molecules are constantly in motion and bumping into each other.
Blood flow in arteries: The blood flowing in arteries is an example of turbulent flow. The blood molecules are constantly in motion and bumping into each other.
These are some of the examples of turbulent flow from real-life. Turbulent flow is a type of fluid flow in which the fluid molecules are in constant motion and bumping into each other. The turbulent flow is characterized by a high degree of mixing and chaotic behaviour.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, it can be said that a fluid that floats in a parallel line in a closed channel like a pipe is called a streamline flow. Turbulent flow, on the other hand includes disruption while floating and includes continuous change in the pressure. This theory was first developed by fluid dynamics experts to explain the motion of water in rivers and streams. It is said that streamline flow and the turbulent flow can exists at the same tubes when the rates of flow are different. Let’s take a closer look at what streamlined and turbulent flow means and their suitable examples.Some examples of turbulent flow from real life include oceans, rivers in flood, car exhaust and so far whereas some streamlining flow examples include blood flow, water balloons, aircraft and so far.
