Ratio of Maximum Velocity to Average Velocity in Laminar Flow Between Parallel Plates

When fluid is passing through two parallel plates in a laminar flow condition, the velocity profile is parabolic, with the maximum velocity occurring at the center of the flow and decreasing towards the walls. This velocity profile is described by the Hagen-Poiseuille equation.

Maximum Velocity
- The maximum velocity in laminar flow between parallel plates occurs at the centerline of the flow. This is where the velocity gradient is highest, resulting in the highest velocity.

Average Velocity
- The average velocity in laminar flow between parallel plates is calculated by taking the average of the velocity profile over the cross-section of the flow. This is typically lower than the maximum velocity due to the parabolic nature of the velocity profile.

Ratio Calculation
- The ratio of maximum velocity to average velocity in laminar flow between parallel plates can be calculated using the Hagen-Poiseuille equation. This ratio is found to be 2:1, meaning that the maximum velocity is twice the average velocity in this flow condition.

Therefore, in laminar flow between parallel plates, the ratio of maximum velocity to average velocity is 2:1. This information is important for understanding the behavior of fluids in confined spaces, such as in microfluidic devices or in the flow of viscous liquids.