Laminar Flow: Laminar flow is the flow in which fluid particles flow in layers. Each layer moves smoothly past the adjacent layer with little or no intermixing. There is no intermingling of fluid particles across the cross-section.
Turbulent Flow: Turbulent flow is the flow in which fluid particles flow in a random fashion where intermixing/intermingling is present.
Reynolds number is a dimensionless formula that is used to differentiate laminar flow from the turbulent flow.
Reynolds number is given by
Re= Where,
ρ = Density of fluid, V = velocity of fluid, D = Diameter of pipe, μ = Dynamic viscosity of the fluid
In the case of pipe flow,
● If Re ≤ 2000 then flow is laminar
● 2000 ≤ Re ≤ 4000 then flow is transitional
● Re ≥ 4000 then flow is turbulent