AIM

To demonstrate the differences between laminar,

turbulent, and transitional fluid flow, using Reynolds
number
APPARATUS

BALLOON
NEEDLE
CELLOTAPE
BOWL
WATER
 THEORY

Laminar flow is a type of fluid flow characterized by smooth,

orderly layers of fluid moving in parallel, with little to no mixing
between the layers. In a laminar flow, the fluid moves in a
coordinated manner, and the particles follow well-defined
paths without significant turbulence or chaotic movement.

Laminar flow is typically observed in situations where the fluid

velocity is low, the viscosity of the fluid is high, or the linear
dimensions of the flow are small. Examples of laminar flow
include the flow of viscous liquids in small tubes, the initial flow
of a fluid in a pipe, or the flow of air over a smooth surface at
low speeds.

Understanding and controlling laminar flow are crucial in

optimizing processes where precise fluid behavior is required.
VISUAL REPRESENTATION
 OBSERVATION

Smooth Flow: Laminar flow is typically smooth and predictable. Water moves in layers without
significant mixing or turbulence. This is in contrast to turbulent flow, where the fluid moves
chaotically with swirling eddies and vortices.

Streamlines: In laminar flow, the paths followed by individual fluid particles are called streamlines.
These streamlines are well-defined and parallel to each other, allowing for easy visualization of the
flow pattern.

Reynolds Number: The transition between laminar and turbulent flow is often described by the
Reynolds number. For water flow in pipes, laminar flow is generally observed at low Reynolds
numbers, while turbulent flow occurs at higher Reynolds numbers. The Reynolds number depends on
factors such as the fluid velocity, density, viscosity, and the characteristic length of the flow.

Viscous Effects: Laminar flow is more prominent in situations where viscous forces dominate over
inertial forces. This is common at low flow rates or in fluids with high viscosity. Water, being a
relatively low-viscosity fluid, can exhibit laminar flow under certain conditions.

Straight Flow Paths: In laminar flow, the water moves in parallel layers along straight flow paths.
There is minimal lateral mixing, and the fluid particles maintain their relative positions as they move.

Low Energy Dissipation: Laminar flow generally experiences lower energy dissipation compared to
turbulent flow. This means that the energy required to maintain laminar flow is lower, resulting in less
resistance to flow.

Reversibility: Laminar flow is often more reversible than turbulent flow. This means that if you were to
reverse the direction of fluid flow, the laminar flow patterns would be more easily re-established
compared to turbulent flow.

Practical Applications: Laminar flow is desirable in certain applications, such as in the pharmaceutical
and food industries, where maintaining a controlled and predictable flow is crucial. Laminar flow is
also exploited in the design of certain types of laboratory equipment and microfluidic devices.
 APPLICATION

Prepare the Bowl:

Fill the bowl with water. The water level should be enough to submerge the balloon when it's inflated.

Inflate the Balloon:

Blow up the balloon to a size that will comfortably fit inside the bowl when inflated.

Attach the Needle to the Balloon:

Carefully insert the needle through the neck or body of the inflated balloon. Make sure the needle
goes through both sides, creating a clear passage for the water to flow through.

Secure the Balloon:

Use tape to secure the balloon to the edge of the bowl, ensuring that the needle is positioned over the
water without touching the bottom.

Optional: Add Food Coloring:

If you want to visualize the laminar flow, you can add a few drops of food coloring to the balloon or
directly into the water.

Puncture the Balloon:

Slowly and carefully push the needle through the balloon. This will create a small hole in the balloon,
allowing water to flow out in a controlled manner.

Observe the Flow:

Watch as water flows out of the balloon and into the bowl. If done correctly, you should observe a
smooth, non-turbulent flow, which is characteristic of laminar flow.
 ADVANTAGE

1) Reduced Turbulence and Friction

2) Precise Fluid Control
3)Improved heat transfer
4) Reduced erosion
5) Enhanced visualization in fluid studies

DISADVANTAGE

1) Cost
2) Flow Rate Constraints
 PRECAUTION

1) HANDLE THE NEEDLE CAREFULLY

2) KEEP THE NEEDLE AT A SAFE DISTANCE FROM YOU EYE
3) POKE THE BALLOON ONCE NOT TWICE
4) DON’T OVERFILL THE BALLOON WITH WATER

SOURCES OF ERROR

1) MISHANDLING OF EQUIPMENT
2) INFALTING THE BALLOON TOO MUCH
3) USING THE WRONG NEEDLE