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Laminar flow is a type of fluid motion characterized by smooth, parallel layers of fluid that slide past one another without turbulence. It occurs at low velocities and is typically described by a low Reynolds number, indicating a dominance of viscous forces over inertial forces.
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Turbulent flow is a type of fluid motion characterized by chaotic changes in pressure and flow velocity, often occurring at high velocities or with large obstacles. It contrasts with laminar flow, where fluid moves in parallel layers, and is crucial in fields such as aerodynamics and hydrodynamics for predicting fluid behavior and designing efficient systems.
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Reynolds number is a dimensionless quantity used in fluid mechanics to predict flow patterns in different fluid flow situations, indicating whether the flow will be laminar or turbulent. It is calculated as the ratio of inertial forces to viscous forces and is crucial for understanding and designing systems involving fluid flow, such as pipelines, airfoils, and chemical reactors.
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The boundary layer is a thin region adjacent to a solid surface where fluid velocity transitions from zero at the surface to the free stream velocity, significantly affecting drag and heat transfer. Understanding boundary layers is crucial for predicting flow behavior in engineering applications, such as aerodynamics and hydrodynamics, where they influence performance and efficiency.
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Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to deformation or flow, often perceived as 'thickness' or internal friction. It is a crucial property in fluid dynamics, affecting how substances move and interact under various forces and conditions.
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A pressure gradient refers to the rate of change in atmospheric pressure across a given distance, which is a crucial factor in determining wind speed and direction. It is a fundamental concept in meteorology, affecting weather patterns and the movement of air masses globally.
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Flow rate is a measure of the volume of fluid that passes through a point or a surface per unit time, often expressed in units such as liters per second or cubic meters per hour. It is a critical parameter in fluid dynamics, engineering, and various industrial applications, influencing system design and efficiency.
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The continuity equation is a fundamental principle in fluid dynamics that expresses the conservation of mass in a fluid flow system. It states that the mass flow rate of a fluid must remain constant from one cross-section of a pipe to another, assuming steady flow and incompressibility of the fluid.
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The Navier-Stokes Equations are a set of nonlinear partial differential equations that describe the motion of fluid substances such as liquids and gases. They are fundamental to fluid dynamics and are used to model weather patterns, ocean currents, and airflow around wings, among other applications.
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Bernoulli's principle states that an increase in the speed of a fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure or a decrease in the fluid's potential energy. This principle is fundamental in explaining various phenomena in fluid dynamics, such as the lift generated by an airplane wing and the operation of a carburetor.
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Hydrodynamics is the branch of physics that studies the motion of fluids, particularly liquids, and the forces acting on them. It plays a crucial role in understanding natural phenomena and engineering applications, from ocean currents to the design of hydraulic systems.
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A velocity field is a vector field that represents the velocity of a fluid at every point in space and time, providing a comprehensive description of the fluid's motion. It is essential for analyzing fluid dynamics, allowing for the study of flow patterns, turbulence, and the effects of forces on fluid motion.
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Flow visualization is a technique used to make the patterns of fluid motion visible, aiding in the analysis and understanding of fluid dynamics. It is essential in fields such as aerodynamics and meteorology, where it helps in optimizing designs and predicting weather patterns by providing insights into the behavior of gases and liquids in motion.
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Axial and radial flow describe the direction of fluid movement relative to the axis of a rotating machine, such as a pump or a turbine. Axial flow moves parallel to the axis, optimizing for high flow rates, while radial flow moves perpendicular, often providing better pressure rise across the stage.
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Gas-liquid flow refers to the simultaneous movement of gas and liquid phases within a conduit, resulting in complex interactions characterized by various flow patterns. Understanding these patterns is crucial for optimizing engineering processes in industries such as petroleum, chemical, and nuclear sectors.
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