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Laminar Flow

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: September 25th, 2023

Laminar flow is the type of flow characteristic, and it is classified based on the Reynolds number of the flow. Based on the Reynolds number of the flow, it can be characterized as the Laminar flow and the Turbulent flow. In laminar flow, Flow will occur in a layered form, and it can be studied by the study of flow patterns at a particular section.

Laminar Flow PDf

The velocity distribution follows the parabolic approach in the laminar flow. Mean and maximum velocity of the flow for laminar flow can be understood on the basis of the mass and momentum conservation of the fluid at a particular layer. This article contains basic notes on the “Laminar Flow” topic of the “Fluid Mechanics & Hydraulics” subject.

What is Laminar Flow?

Laminar flow is a flow characteristic defined based on the Reynolds number of the flow. The Reynolds number of the flow is a dimensionless number, defined as the ratio of the Inertia force to the Viscous force. Laminar flow is also known as viscous flow because in laminar flow, viscous force is the predominant force, and it governs the flow behaviour.

In laminar flow, fluid particles move in a layered form in a streamlined way. So it is also called the streamlined flow. Laminar flow is essential for the GATE exam perspective. At the low velocity of the flow, fluid particles do not internally mix with each other; such fluid flows are named laminar flow. As the flow velocity increases, intermixing of the fluid particles starts, and such flow becomes a turbulent flow.

Laminar Flow Over a Flat Plate

Flow over a flat plate can be classified into the laminar flow, turbulent flow or transition flow. This flow categorization is carried out based on the Reynolds number of the flow. Reynolds number of the flow depends on the flow velocity, fluid density and the characteristic dimension of the channel. Velocity in the laminar flow follows the parabolic distribution having zero velocity at the plate and equal to the stream velocity at the top layer. This velocity distribution of laminar flow is depicted below in the diagram.

Laminar

Laminar Flow Between Two Parallel Plates

The condition for the laminar flow between two parallel plates depends on the Reynolds number of the flow. In this case, the characteristics dimension is calculated in a different way than that for the flow over a flat plate.

Analysis of the Flow

Consider a fluid element in the flow field. An element has thickness dy, length dx and y distance from the bottom plate.

Analysis

Assumption:- width of flow perpendicular to paper = unity

Free body diagram of an element

Analysis

Apply equilibrium condition

image003

But we know that

τ = μ du/dy

So,

μ d{(du/dy)}/dy = dp/dx …(1)

Where dp/dx and μ are independent form y

By integrating equation (1)

image007

⇒ Again, integrate with respect to y

image008

Apply boundary condition in this equation. Boundary condition includes the following points:

  • No slip condition

At y = 0, u = 0
So, C2 = 0

  • Fluid velocity at the top and bottom plate is zero due to the action of frictional force.

At y=H, u=0

C1 = (-H/2μ)(dp/dx)

So,image011

image012

Maximum velocity

To find the maximum velocity of the fluid, the above velocity equation has been differentiated, and the maximum velocity can be found.

At y = H/2

umax = (-H2/8μ)(dp/dx)

Shear Stress Distribution

By Newton’s Law of viscosity

image020

The following diagram shows the velocity and shear stress distribution for the laminar flow below.

velocity

Pressure difference b/w two points along the flow

Consider average velocity expression

image023

Laminar Flow Through Circular Pipe

In the circular pipe, flow can be either laminar, turbulent or transition. This can be categorized based on the Reynolds number of the flow. Flow velocities at the boundary of the circular pipe are zero and maximum at the centre of the pipe. Flow velocity for flow through a pipe, Shear stress distribution and other parameters are explained below.

Laminar

Consider a fluid element having radius r and length dx

Free body diagram of an element

Laminar

Apply horizontal equilibrium equation

Internal flow:-

image026

According to Newton’s Law of Viscosity

τ = μ (du/dy)

So, (-r/2)(dp/dx) = μ (du/dy) ….(a)

from the first figure in this section

y+r = R ⇒ dy = -dr

put the value of dy = -dr in eq. (a)

(-r/2)dp/dx = μ (du/dr)

⇒ du/dr = (r/2μ)(dp/dx)

By integrating it

u = r2/4μ(dp/dx) + C

At r=R, u=0 ⇒ no-slip condition

C = -R2/4μ(dp/dx)

So, u = 1/4μ(dp/dx)(R2 – r2)

Maximum Velocity

Vmax at r = 0

So from the expression of u, put r=0

ur=0 = umax = -R2/4μ(dp/dx)

Mean Velocity

The mass flow rate is constant throughout the pipe

image036

From the expression of umax and umean

⇒umean = umax/2

Velocity and shear stress profile in a circular pipe

Velocity distribution and shear stress distribution along the pipe cross-section are depicted below.

Velocity

Laminar Flow Reynolds Number

Flow can be categorized based on the Reynolds number of the flow. Reynolds number depends on the fluid velocity, viscosity and the characteristics dimension.

Reynolds number = ρVD/μ

Here,

  • ρ = density of the fluid
  • V = Velocity of flow
  • μ = Dynamic Viscosity
  • D = Characteristic dimension
Re < 2000; For Laminar Flow
Re > 4000; For Turbulent Flow
2000< Re <4000; For Transition Flow
  • Head Loss equation by Darcy’s
    HL = fLV2/2gD
    Here f → Friction factor
    V → Velocity (average)
    L → Length of pipe
    D → Diameter of pipe
    This equation is valid for both turbulent and laminar flow.
  • Friction factor for circular pipe flow
    In circular pipe

HL = 32μumeanL/ρgD2
But Darcey’s equation

HL = fLV2/2gD

By equating both expressions

fLV2/2gD = 32μumeanL/ρgD2

⇒ f = 64/(ρVD/μ) = 64/Re

Head Loss Occured in Laminar Flow Through Pipes

head loss is one of the pipe’s important parameters of flow analysis. It is the loss of total energy head at a particular cross-section of pipes to any upstream section. The analysis of the head loss is carried out in the following way.

  • Head loss for the laminar flow between Flat plate

Δp = 12μumeanL/H2
HL = Δp/ρg

HL = 12μumeanL/ρgH2

  • Head loss for the laminar flow in a circular pipe

Δp = 32μumeanL/D2
HL = Δp/ρg

HL = 32μumeanL/ρgD2

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