Different types of flow

According to nature of flows and their dependency on other factors such as density, velocity gradient, etc. flows are divided into various types. Let's discuss today about various types of flows.

Incompressible flow is type of flow in which density of fluid remains constant. It means fluid is incompressible. Practically incompressible flow is not possible. But in aerodynamics when velocity of air is less than 0.3 mach (370.44 Kmph) flow is considered to be as incompressible flow.

Compressible flow is flow in which density of fluid changes with respect to distance. For example, consider fluid flowing over body. So the fluid will have higher density at a place where fluid collides with body.

If fluid parameters such as velocity, acceleration, etc does not change with respect to time, Such type of flow is know as Steady flow.

If fluid parameters such as velocity, acceleration, etc changes with respect to to time, such a  type of flow is known as Unsteady flow.

If fluid parameters such as velocity, acceleration, etc does not change with respect to space, such type of flow is known as Uniform flow. 

If fluid parameters such as velocity, acceleration, etc changes with respect to space, such type of flow is known as Non-Uniform flow

when fluid particles while flowing rotates about their own axis, such a flow is known as Rotational flow.

When fluid particles while flowing does not rotate about their own axis, such a type of flow is known as Irrotational flow.

When viscosity of fluid is considered in fluid flow, such type of flow is known as Viscous flow. Viscosity is a resisting force to flowing fluid.

When viscosity of fluid is not considered in fluid flow, such type of flow is known as Inviscid flow.

The flow in which velocity is constant or varies with regular manner, such type of flow is known as Streamline flow.

The flow in which fluid flows smoothly such that fluid layers are parallel to each other or no to streamlines intersect each other, such type of flow is known as laminar flow.

The flow in which fluid flows in zig-zag manner and fluctuate irregularly in such a way that its velocity changes irregularly, such type of flow is known as turbulent flow.

The flow is Turbulent flow or Laminar flow this can be determined from the value of Reynolds number. To know more about Reynolds number Checkout this post.

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Get more information about flows from here

http://www.dummies.com/education/science/physics/the-different-types-of-fluid-flow/


http://ffden-2.phys.uaf.edu/212_fall2003.web.dir/robert_casey/typeofluid.htm