Laminar and Turbulent Flows

  • Laminar Flow — characterized by smooth streamlines and highly ordered motion.

  • Turbulent Flow — characterized by velocity fluctuations and highly disordered motion.

Most flows encountered in practice are turbulent. Laminar flow is encountered when highly viscous fluids such as oils flow in small pipes or narrow passages.


The intense mixing of the fluid in the turbulent flow as a result of rapid fluctuations enhances momentum transfer between fluid particles, which increases the friction force on the surface and thus the required pumping power.