Civil Engineering (CE) Exam  >  Civil Engineering (CE) Questions  >  The flow of fluid through a pipe is laminar w... Start Learning for Free
The flow of fluid through a pipe is laminar when
  • a)
    the fluid is ideal
  • b)
    the fluid is viscous
  • c)
    the Reynolds number is less than 2000
  • d)
    there is considerable lateral dispersion of smoke or dye injected into the flow stream
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
The flow of fluid through a pipe is laminar whena)the fluid is idealb)...
The flow of fluid through a pipe is laminar when:

Introduction:
Flow of fluid through a pipe can be classified into two types: laminar flow and turbulent flow. Laminar flow refers to a smooth and orderly flow where fluid particles move in parallel layers without any mixing. On the other hand, turbulent flow is characterized by chaotic and irregular motion of fluid particles.

Reynolds number:
The Reynolds number (Re) is a dimensionless quantity used to determine the flow regime of a fluid. It is calculated using the following formula:

Re = (ρVD)/μ

Where:
- ρ is the density of the fluid
- V is the velocity of the fluid
- D is the characteristic length of the flow (e.g., diameter of the pipe)
- μ is the dynamic viscosity of the fluid

Laminar flow:
Laminar flow occurs when the Reynolds number is below a certain critical value, typically around 2000. In other words, if the Reynolds number is less than 2000, the flow of fluid through a pipe is considered laminar. This means that the flow is smooth, with fluid particles moving in parallel layers without any mixing or turbulence.

Characteristics of laminar flow:
Laminar flow is characterized by the following features:

1. Streamlined flow: The fluid particles move in well-defined paths, with no mixing or cross-flow between layers.

2. Low pressure drop: Laminar flow experiences a lower pressure drop compared to turbulent flow, resulting in less energy loss.

3. Predictable behavior: Laminar flow is highly predictable and can be described by mathematical equations.

4. Low mixing and diffusion: Due to the absence of turbulence, there is minimal mixing and diffusion of heat, mass, or momentum in laminar flow.

5. Low Reynolds number: The Reynolds number for laminar flow is typically less than 2000.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the flow of fluid through a pipe is considered laminar when the Reynolds number is less than 2000. This indicates a smooth and orderly flow with minimal mixing and turbulence. Understanding the flow regime is crucial in various engineering applications, as it affects factors such as pressure drop, heat transfer, and pumping requirements.
Free Test
Community Answer
The flow of fluid through a pipe is laminar whena)the fluid is idealb)...
Laminar flow refers to the smooth and orderly movement of fluid particles through a pipe or conduit. In this type of flow, the fluid moves in parallel layers with little to no mixing between them. Laminar flow is characterized by its low velocity and low Reynolds number. The Reynolds number is a dimensionless quantity that relates the inertial forces to the viscous forces in a fluid flow.

Reynolds number (Re) is defined as the ratio of the inertial forces to the viscous forces and is given by the formula:
Re = (ρVD)/μ
where:
- ρ is the density of the fluid
- V is the velocity of the fluid
- D is the characteristic length (diameter) of the pipe
- μ is the dynamic viscosity of the fluid

When the Reynolds number is less than 2000, the flow through a pipe is considered to be laminar. This is because at low Reynolds numbers, the viscous forces dominate and the fluid particles move in a smooth and orderly manner. At higher Reynolds numbers, the flow becomes turbulent, characterized by chaotic and irregular movement of fluid particles.

In the given options, option 'c' is the correct answer because it states that the Reynolds number should be less than 2000 for laminar flow. Options 'a' and 'b' are incorrect because the flow being ideal or viscous does not necessarily determine whether the flow is laminar or not. Option 'd' is also incorrect because considerable lateral dispersion of smoke or dye injected into the flow stream indicates turbulent flow, not laminar flow.

To summarize:
- Laminar flow refers to the smooth and orderly movement of fluid particles.
- Laminar flow occurs when the Reynolds number is less than 2000.
- The Reynolds number is a dimensionless quantity that relates the inertial forces to the viscous forces in a fluid flow.
- Options 'a', 'b', and 'd' are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the conditions for laminar flow.
Explore Courses for Civil Engineering (CE) exam

Top Courses for Civil Engineering (CE)

The flow of fluid through a pipe is laminar whena)the fluid is idealb)the fluid is viscousc)the Reynolds number is less than 2000d)there is considerable lateral dispersion of smoke or dye injected into the flow streamCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
The flow of fluid through a pipe is laminar whena)the fluid is idealb)the fluid is viscousc)the Reynolds number is less than 2000d)there is considerable lateral dispersion of smoke or dye injected into the flow streamCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for Civil Engineering (CE) 2025 is part of Civil Engineering (CE) preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Civil Engineering (CE) exam syllabus. Information about The flow of fluid through a pipe is laminar whena)the fluid is idealb)the fluid is viscousc)the Reynolds number is less than 2000d)there is considerable lateral dispersion of smoke or dye injected into the flow streamCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for Civil Engineering (CE) 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for The flow of fluid through a pipe is laminar whena)the fluid is idealb)the fluid is viscousc)the Reynolds number is less than 2000d)there is considerable lateral dispersion of smoke or dye injected into the flow streamCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for The flow of fluid through a pipe is laminar whena)the fluid is idealb)the fluid is viscousc)the Reynolds number is less than 2000d)there is considerable lateral dispersion of smoke or dye injected into the flow streamCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for Civil Engineering (CE). Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for Civil Engineering (CE) Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of The flow of fluid through a pipe is laminar whena)the fluid is idealb)the fluid is viscousc)the Reynolds number is less than 2000d)there is considerable lateral dispersion of smoke or dye injected into the flow streamCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of The flow of fluid through a pipe is laminar whena)the fluid is idealb)the fluid is viscousc)the Reynolds number is less than 2000d)there is considerable lateral dispersion of smoke or dye injected into the flow streamCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for The flow of fluid through a pipe is laminar whena)the fluid is idealb)the fluid is viscousc)the Reynolds number is less than 2000d)there is considerable lateral dispersion of smoke or dye injected into the flow streamCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of The flow of fluid through a pipe is laminar whena)the fluid is idealb)the fluid is viscousc)the Reynolds number is less than 2000d)there is considerable lateral dispersion of smoke or dye injected into the flow streamCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice The flow of fluid through a pipe is laminar whena)the fluid is idealb)the fluid is viscousc)the Reynolds number is less than 2000d)there is considerable lateral dispersion of smoke or dye injected into the flow streamCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice Civil Engineering (CE) tests.
Explore Courses for Civil Engineering (CE) exam

Top Courses for Civil Engineering (CE)

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev