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( Reynolds number)
In fluid mechanics and aerodynamics, the Reynolds number is a measure of the ratio of inertial forces (vs?) to viscous forces (µ/L) and, consequently, it quantifies the relative importance of these two types of forces for given flow conditions. It is the most important dimensionless number in fluid dynamics and is used, usually along with other dimensionless numbers, to provide a criterion for determining dynamic similitude. When two geometrically similar flow patterns, in perhaps different fluids with possibly different flow rates, have the same values for the relevant dimensionless numbers, they are said to be dynamically similar, and will have similar flow geometry. It is also used to identify and predict different flow regimes, such as laminar or turbulent flow. Laminar flow occurs at low Reynolds numbers, where viscous forces are dominant, and is characterized by smooth, constant fluid motion, while turbulent flow, on the other hand, occurs at high Reynolds numbers and is dominated by inertial forces, which tend to produce random eddies, vortices and other flow fluctuations. It is named after Osborne Reynolds (1842–1912), who proposed it in 1883.[1]
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