Reynolds number
Noun
Meaning
Reynolds number (plural Reynolds numbers)
(physics) A dimensionless parameter that determines the behavior of viscous flow patterns. In pipe flow a value less than about 2,000 (known as the critical Reynolds number) produces laminar flow, one above about 3,000 produces turbulent flow (intermediate values produce unpredictable behavior).
Examples
Motion at low Reynolds number is very majestic, slow, and regular.
Aeronautical wind tunnels The main subcategories in the aeronautical wind tunnels are High Reynolds number tunnels Reynolds number is one of the governing similarity parameters for the simulation of flow in a wind tunnel.
As the flow speed increases (Reynolds number - Re) the frequency slowly climbs (nearly constant Strouhal number -St) but then the frequency jumps up abruptly to a higher stage.
Both the Deltameter and hole tone data show the Strouhal number is a weak negative function of Reynolds number, which is squared in the sound power equation.
Close examination of the data in the figure showed a slight negative dependence of Strouhal number on Reynolds number.
Heliox's low density produces a lower Reynolds number and hence higher probability of laminar flow for any given airway.