On the Mechanism of Laminar-turbulent Transition and the Origin of the Critical Reynolds Number

TL;DR

This paper proposes a theoretical mechanism for laminar-turbulent transition based on fluid deceleration near walls, deriving an analytical expression linking the critical Reynolds number to flow disturbances.

Contribution

It introduces a new theoretical explanation for transition, deriving an analytical formula connecting critical Reynolds number with flow disturbance levels.

Findings

Analytical expression relating critical Reynolds number to disturbance degree.

Mechanism based on fluid deceleration on channel or pipe walls.

Provides insight into the origin of laminar-turbulent transition.

Abstract

A theoretical mechanism of laminar-turbulent transition originated from the deceleration of fluid streams on the walls of the channel or pipe is proposed. For Poiseuille flow an analytical expression relating the critical Reynolds number with the degree of disturbance of the flow is derived.