Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems Laminar, Turbulent Flows & Streamlining

Fluid Dynamics The factors that affect smooth or rough flow are part of the study of fluids in motion called fluid dynamics. As a fluid flows, the forces of attraction between the molecules cause internal friction. Viscosity is a measure of this resistance to the flow. It depends on the type and temperature of the fluid.

Laminar vs. Turbulent Flow Laminar Flow: Fluid flow in which adjacent regions of fluid flow smoothly over one another. Turbulent Flow: Fluid flow in which a disturbance resists the fluid’s motion. Results when fluids cannot move smoothly around or through an object. Eddies: Areas of fluid disturbance (swirling)

Eddies

Streamlining Drag: The forces that act against an object’s motion through a fluid. Streamlining: The process of reducing the turbulence experienced by an object moving rapidly relative to a fluid. Very important in designs of turbines, cars, planes and many other objects. Studied using wind tunnels and computer simulations