aerodynamics fluidmechanics 2020

Laminar and turbulent flow

Laminar and turbulent flow

Laminar flow is the flow which is parallel to the layer and flows with no disruption. It tends to flow at low velocities. Turbulent flow is the flow which flows uneven to the surface. Laminar is a smooth flow and Turbulent is a rough flow. The flow can be calculated by using the Reynolds number. Laminar flow is the opposite of turbulent flow. It is the smooth flow of a fluid over a surface. Though a boundary layer of air "sticks" to a wing, the air overtop should be moving quickly and smoothly to reduce friction drag.  Engineers and aircraft designers design aircraft with laminar flow over their wings to make them more aerodynamic efficient and for the better performance.