English

Is the Critical Reynolds Number Universal?

Fluid Dynamics 2009-11-07 v1 Data Analysis, Statistics and Probability

Abstract

The laminar-turbulent transition in the circular pipe flow has been tested experimentally. The critical Reynolds numbers for the flows of different gases (He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, N2, CO2, SF6) and liquids (H2O, D2O, C2H5OH) have been compared. The difference up to 40% was observed. The possible reasons of non-universality of critical Reynolds number are discussed. The conclusion is the statistical approach is needed to penetrate into the nature of observed phenomenon.

Cite

@article{arxiv.physics/0108061,
  title  = {Is the Critical Reynolds Number Universal?},
  author = {Sergey Novopashin and Amador Muriel},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:physics/0108061},
  year   = {2009}
}

Comments

7 pages, 4 figures

R2 v1 2026-07-22T18:51:55.335Z