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Q.Distinguish between streamlined flow and turbulent flow.

Tamil Nadu DgeTamil Nadu HSC First Year (DGE) Board 2026Subjective· 3mImportance★★★★★
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Streamlined flow is smooth and layered with non-crossing paths at low speed, while turbulent flow is chaotic and eddying at high speed, the transition governed by the Reynolds number.

Streamlined (or laminar) flow:

  • Fluid particles move along smooth, well-defined paths called streamlines, and these streamlines never cross each other.
  • The fluid can be thought of as moving in parallel layers that slide over one another without mixing.
  • Occurs when the flow velocity is below a certain critical velocity for the fluid and geometry (Reynolds number less than about 2000).
  • Velocity at any given point remains steady (does not fluctuate randomly) with time.
  • Example: slow flow of water through a narrow, smooth pipe; blood flow in smaller vessels.

Turbulent flow:

  • Fluid particles move in irregular, chaotic paths, with streamlines crossing, mixing, and forming eddies/whirlpools.
  • Layers of fluid are not distinct — there is vigorous mixing across the flow.
  • Occurs when the flow velocity exceeds a critical velocity (Reynolds number greater than about 3000).
  • Velocity and pressure at a point fluctuate randomly with time.
  • Example: fast-flowing river rapids, smoke rising and breaking into swirls, flow past an obstacle at high speed. …

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