What is turbulent flow?

Turbulent flow is characterized by the random fluctuation of velocities within a fluid. In this type of flow, particles move in chaotic patterns, which can create eddies and swirls. These occur at various scales and can lead to mixing, increased drag, and energy loss.

In contrast to laminar flow, where the fluid moves in parallel layers with little to no disruption, turbulent flow reflects a more complex interaction of threedimensional fluid motions. This randomness can be influenced by factors such as fluid velocity, viscosity, and the presence of obstacles within the flow.

Understanding turbulent flow is essential in both theoretical studies and practical applications, such as cardiovascular physiology in MRI studies, where the nature of blood flow can affect imaging and diagnostics.