Laminar Flow VS Turbulent Flow: Myth Busted
Is the statement about shear stress in laminar and turbulent flow true or false?
T/F, The given statement, "For laminar flow in a pipe, the shear stress varies linearly with distance from centerline, where as turbulent flow varies with square of centerline" is False.
Explanation:
For laminar flow in a pipe, the shear stress does not vary linearly with distance from the centerline. In fact, the shear stress varies proportionally with the velocity gradient due to the parabolic velocity profile of laminar flow, known as Hagen-Poiseuille flow.
On the other hand, turbulent flow does not exhibit a simple linear relationship between shear stress and distance from the centerline. Instead, the shear stress in turbulent flow is highly influenced by the turbulent eddies present in the flow, leading to unpredictable variations in shear stress across space and time.
In general, turbulent flow tends to have much higher shear stress levels compared to laminar flow for similar fluid velocities and pipe geometries.
Understanding Laminar Flow and Turbulent Flow:
Laminar flow, also known as streamline flow, refers to a type of fluid motion where the particles move in parallel layers without any significant mixing between the layers. This results in a smooth and predictable flow pattern.
On the other hand, turbulent flow is characterized by chaotic and irregular fluid motion, with mixing and eddying of fluid particles occurring at various scales. This leads to fluctuations in velocity and pressure within the flow.
The distinction between laminar and turbulent flows is crucial in fluid dynamics, as it affects various parameters such as shear stress, pressure drop, and heat transfer in pipelines and channels.
In conclusion, the statement that claims shear stress varies linearly with distance from the centerline in laminar flow and as the square of centerline in turbulent flow is false. The actual relationship between shear stress and flow conditions is more complex and depends on the flow regime and characteristics.