Pipe flow regime – transitional (neither laminar nor turbulent) The flow in a pipe is neither laminar nor fully turbulent when the Reynolds number is:

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: between 2000 and 2800

Explanation:


Introduction:
The transitional regime bridges laminar and turbulent behavior. Disturbances may intermittently grow or decay, making friction factor and velocity profile uncertain.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Internal flow in a circular pipe.
  • Reynolds number based on diameter and bulk velocity.
  • Thresholds consistent with the option ranges provided.


Concept / Approach:
Common classification: laminar for Re < 2000; transitional for an intermediate window; turbulent beyond the upper threshold. Here, the question uses 2000–2800 as the transition band.



Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Identify laminar threshold: Re < 2000.2) Identify turbulent threshold: Re > 2800 (per options).3) Therefore, 2000 ≤ Re ≤ 2800 → transitional → neither purely laminar nor fully turbulent.



Verification / Alternative check:
Laboratory pipe flows show intermittency, puffs, and slugs in this band; friction factor correlations become unreliable.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Less than 2000: laminar.
  • More than 2800: turbulent.
  • None of these: incorrect, since the transitional band is explicitly given.


Common Pitfalls:
Using a single universal cutoff (e.g., 4000) without checking the convention used in a given problem.



Final Answer:
between 2000 and 2800

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