critical velocity

critical velocity

[′krid·ə·kəl və′läs·əd·ē] (aerospace engineering) In rocketry, the speed of sound at the conditions prevailing at the nozzle throat. Also known as throat velocity. (cryogenics) The velocity of a superfluid in very narrow channels (on the order of 10-5 centimeter), which is nearly constant. Also known as critical speed. (fluid mechanics) The speed of flow equal to the local speed of sound. Also known as critical speed. The speed of fluid flow through a given conduit above which it becomes turbulent.

critical velocity

Of a liquid flowing in a pipe, the velocity at which the flow changes from laminar flow to turbulent flow.