The type of flow of a liquid depends upon the manner in which the particles unite and move. Though there are many types of flows, yet the following are important. We are discussing some of the most important fluid flow.
- Uniform flow
A flow, in which the liquid particles at all sections of a pipe or channel have the same velocities, is called a uniform flow.
Or,
It is the property of a fluid in which velocity of fluid flow does not change with respect to distance (Length).
Here the velocity of the fluid is in same magnitude and direction.
- Non-uniform flow
A flow, in which the liquid particles at different sections of a pipe or channel have different velocities, is called a non-uniform flow.
Or,
It is the property of a fluid in which velocity of fluid flow changes with respect to distance (length).
- Streamline flow (Laminar flow)
A flow, in which each liquid particle has a definite path and the paths of individual particles do not cross each other, called a streamline flow.
Laminar flow is the flow in which fluid particles flows in a thin layer or lamina and smoothly sliding over one another.
Here there is no bulk mixing between the adjacent layers.
It generally occurs at very low velocity.
Here the Reynolds number is less than 2000.
- Turbulent flow
A flow, in which each liquid particle does not have a definite path and the path of the individual particles also cross each other, is called a turbulent flow.
Turbulent flow is the flow in which fluid particle moves in a zigzag way or in random order.
Here the Reynolds number is greater than 2000.
- Steady flow
A flow, in which the quantity of liquid flowing per second is constant, called a steady flow. A steady flow may be uniform or non-uniform.
In a steady flow the properties like pressure, velocity and density does not change with respect to time at any given point.
- Unsteady flow
A flow, in which the quantity of liquid flowing per second is not consti is called an unsteady flow.
In a unsteady flow the properties like pressure, velocity and density changes with respect to time at any given point.
- Compressible flow
A flow, in which the volume of a fluid and its density changes during the flow, is called a compressible flow. All the gases are considered to have compressible flow.
In a compressible fluid flow the density variation are generally more than 5%.
- Incompressible flow
A flow, in which the volume of a fluid and its density does not change during the flow, is called an incompressible flow. All the liquids are considered to have incompressible flow.
In an incompressible fluid flow the density variation are generally less than 5% or negligible.
- Rotational flow
A flow, in which the fluid particles also rotate (i.e. have some angalar velocity) about their own axes while flowing, is called a rotational flow.
- Irrotational flow
A flow, in which the fluid particles do not rotate about their own axes and retain their original orientations, is called an irrotational flow.
- One-dimensional flow
A flow, in which the streamlines of its moving particles are represented by straight line, is called an one-dimensional flow.
It is a type of flow in which fluid parameter like velocity is a function of time and one space coordinate.
Here there is no velocity along transverse direction.
- Two-dimensional flow
A flow, whose streamlines of its moving particles are represented by a curve, is called a two-dimensional flow.
It is a type of flow in which fluid parameter like velocity is a function of time and two rectangular space coordinate.
- Three-dimensional flow
A flow, whose streamlines are represented in space Le along the three mutually perpendicular directions, is called a three-dimensional flow.
It is a type of flow in which fluid parameter like velocity is a function of time and three rectangular space coordinate.
So, That was all about the types of flow of fluid. Hope you all like this content. If you are interested in such kind of valuable and interesting contents then do follow our website. Kindly do share such informative contents with your friends