what is turbulence

what is turbulence

1 year ago 29
Nature

Turbulence is a phenomenon that occurs in fluid dynamics, including air, and is characterized by chaotic changes in pressure and flow velocity. It is the opposite of laminar flow, which occurs when a fluid flows in parallel layers with no disruption between them. Turbulence is caused by excessive kinetic energy in parts of a fluid flow, which overcomes the damping effect of the fluids viscosity. Here are some key points about turbulence:

  • Turbulence is commonly observed in everyday phenomena such as surf, fast flowing rivers, billowing storm clouds, or smoke from a chimney, and most fluid flows occurring in nature or created in engineering applications are turbulent.

  • Turbulence can be caused by various factors, including mountains, jet streams, storms, and changes in weather.

  • Turbulence can be classified into four categories: light, moderate, severe, and extreme, depending on the degree of stability of the air and the nature of the initiating agency.

  • Turbulence can be experienced by airplane passengers, and it is one of the most unpredictable weather phenomena that pilots encounter.

  • Turbulence is not dangerous, and airplanes are built to handle the worst of it. Even in the most severe turbulence, the plane is not moving as much as one might think.

  • Recent research indicates that turbulence is rising, and this change is sparked by climate change, specifically elevated carbon dioxide emissions affecting air currents.

In summary, turbulence is a chaotic motion of fluid, including air, characterized by changes in pressure and flow velocity. It can be caused by various factors and can be classified into four categories. Although it can be experienced by airplane passengers, it is not dangerous, and airplanes are built to handle it.

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