Chapter (8)

Internal flow

1) Laminar and turbulent flow:

-If you have been around smokers, you probably noticed that the cigarette smoke
rises in a smooth plume for the first few centimeters and then starts fluctuating
randomly in all directions as it continues its rise. Other plumes behave similarly (Fig.
8–3). Likewise, a careful inspection of flow in a pipe reveals that the fluid flow is
streamlined at low velocities but turns chaotic as the velocity is increased above a
critical value, as shown in Fig. 8–4.

The flow regime in the first case is said to be laminar, characterized by smooth
streamlines and highly ordered motion, and turbulent in the second case, where it is
characterized by velocity fluctuations and highly disordered motion. The transition
from laminar to turbulent flow does not occur suddenly; rather, it occurs over some
1
region in which the flow fluctuates between laminar and turbulent flows before it
becomes fully turbulent. Most flows encountered in practice are turbulent. Laminar
flow is encountered when highly viscous fluids such as oils flow in small pipes or
narrow passages.

2) Reynolds Number

where Vavg = average flow velocity (m/s), D 5 characteristic length of the geometry (diameter in
this case, in m), and kinematic viscosity of the fluid (m2/s). Note that the Reynolds
number is a dimensionless quantity. Also, kinematic viscosity has units m2/s, and can be viewed
as viscous diffusivity or diffusivity for momentum.

For D (diameter of Reynolds number) it’s a hydraulic diameter:

For different shapes:

2
For average velocity:

EXAMPLE 8–1 Consider the fully developed flow of glycerin at 40 C through a 70-m-long, 4-
cm-diameter, horizontal, circular pipe. If the flow velocity 3 m/s, determine the velocity profile
and the pressure difference across this 70-m-long section of the pipe, and the useful pumping
power required to maintain this flow. For the same useful pumping power input, determine the
fluid type. ( )

3
EXAMPLE 8–2 Water at 40F ( ) is
flowing steadily through a 0.12-in- (= 0.010 ft) diameter 30-ft-long horizontal pipe at an
average velocity of 3.0 ft/s Determine the fluid type?

EXAMPLE 8–3 Water at 60F ( ) is

flowing steadily in a 2-in-diameter horizontal pipe made of stainless steel at a rate of 0.2 ft 3/s.
Determine the fluid type.