The Reynolds number (Re) is a dimensionless parameter used in fluid mechanics and aircraft design to determine the flow regime of a fluid (usually air) over a surface, such as an aircraft wing. It helps predict the behavior of the fluid flow, particularly whether it is laminar (smooth and orderly) or turbulent (chaotic and irregular). In aircraft design, the Reynolds number is essential for understanding the aerodynamics of the aircraft.
The formula for calculating the Reynolds number is as follows:
- Reynolds Number (): Dimensionless (no units).
- Density (): Kilograms per Cubic Meter (kg/m³) or Slugs per Cubic Foot (sl/ft³).
- Velocity (): Meters per Second (m/s) or Feet per Second (ft/s).
- Characteristic Length (): Meters (m) or Feet (ft).
- Dynamic Viscosity (): Kilograms per Meter per Second (kg/(m·s)) or Slugs per Foot per Second (sl/(ft·s)).