Laminar flow is associated with what velocity profile in vessels?

Laminar flow is associated with what velocity profile in vessels?

• A. Parabolic
• B. Flat
• C. Turbulent
• D. Wavy

Answer: (A)

Laminar flow in vessels produces a parabolic velocity profile. When a Newtonian fluid moves steadily through a circular tube, viscous forces and the no-slip condition at the wall create a smooth, layered motion where fluid at the wall is stationary and speeds up toward the center. The result is a velocity that is highest at the center and zero at the boundary, following a radial dependence that makes the cross-sectional plot a parabola. This is often called Poiseuille flow, with u(r) proportional to 1 − (r/R)². A flat profile would be plug-like and isn’t typical for fully developed laminar pipe flow, while turbulent flow yields a much flatter, highly irregular profile, and wavy isn’t a standard description of laminar velocity distribution.

Laminar flow in vessels produces a parabolic velocity profile. When a Newtonian fluid moves steadily through a circular tube, viscous forces and the no-slip condition at the wall create a smooth, layered motion where fluid at the wall is stationary and speeds up toward the center. The result is a velocity that is highest at the center and zero at the boundary, following a radial dependence that makes the cross-sectional plot a parabola. This is often called Poiseuille flow, with u(r) proportional to 1 − (r/R)². A flat profile would be plug-like and isn’t typical for fully developed laminar pipe flow, while turbulent flow yields a much flatter, highly irregular profile, and wavy isn’t a standard description of laminar velocity distribution.