Question

What is the function of Reynolds number?

(a) To detect pressure changes

(b) To predict flow patterns

(c) Temperature

(d) Viscosity

This question was addressed to me at a job interview.

This is a very interesting question from Kinetic Energy Correction and Momentum Correction Factors topic in chapter Viscous Flow & Turbulent Flow of Fluid Mechanics

Answer 1

Correct answer is (b) To predict flow patterns

The explanation is: Reynolds number is a dimensionless quantity. It is used to predict flow patterns in different types of fluid flow. At lower Reynold’s number, the flow is laminar. At higher Reynolds number, the flow is turbulent.