a dimensionless number, vρl/η, where v is the fluid velocity, ρ the density, η the viscosity and l a dimension of the system. The value of the number indicates the type of fluid flow
Word origin
C19: named after Osborne Reynolds (1842–1912), British physicist
Reynolds number in American English
a dimensionless parameter used to determine the nature of fluid flow along surfaces and around objects, as in a wind tunnel
Word origin
after O. Reynolds (1842-1912), Eng physicist
Reynolds number in Chemical Engineering
(rɛnəldz nʌmbər)
Word forms: (regular plural) Reynolds numbers
noun
(Chemical Engineering: General)
A Reynolds number is a particular combination of properties of a flow, which shows how turbulent it is.
This term is named for the British engineer Osborne Reynolds (1842-1912)
In the case of the film, the flow is turbulent, whereas in the other case, the flowhas a Reynolds number of 1600, indicating a laminar flow.
When the Reynolds number is low, fluid flow is streamlined. At high values flow is turbulent.
A Reynolds number is a particular combination of properties of a flow, which shows how turbulent itis.