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Reference.org
Laminar–turbulent transition
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<p>In <a href="/facts/Fluid_dynamics/y7uzSCfg">fluid dynamics</a>, the process of a <a href="/facts/Laminar_flow/RFXN4eAC">laminar</a> flow becoming <a href="/facts/Turbulent/NpgFUhG5">turbulent</a> is known as laminar–turbulent transition. The main parameter characterizing transition is the <a href="/facts/Reynolds_number/4sdungsf">Reynolds number</a>. </p><p>Transition is often described as a process proceeding through a series of stages. <i>Transitional flow</i> can refer to transition in either direction, that is laminar–turbulent transitional or turbulent–laminar transitional flow. </p><p>The process applies to any fluid flow, and is most often used in the context of <a href="/facts/Boundary_layer/go8gqWM1">boundary layers</a>. </p>