What is the Reynolds Number?

A dimensionless number that predicts how a fluid behaves, helping us understand flow patterns in different environments.

Relevance to Real Life:

Whether testing a model airplane in a wind tunnel or studying jellyfish movement, Re predicts how fluid flows over surfaces like wings or in water.

Factors Affecting Reynolds Number:

It’s calculated based on fluid velocity, characteristic length (like pipe diameter), fluid density, and viscosity.

Turbulent vs Laminar Flow:

High Reynolds numbers indicate turbulent, chaotic flow; low numbers suggest smooth, laminar flow.

Importance in Fume Hoods:

Understanding Re helps predict turbulence in fume hoods. High turbulence can reduce containment, affecting safety.

Fume Hood Design Implications:

To improve fume hood performance, minimizing turbulence and optimizing airflow are key considerations.

Why It Matters:

The Reynolds number is a simple concept with wide applications in fluid dynamics, from airplanes to lab equipment design.

Your fume hood guy,

Chip Albright