turbulent flow

/ˈtɜːrbjələnt floʊ/

chaotic fluid motion

The engineers analyzed the turbulent flow around the aircraft wing to reduce drag.

The engineers studied the chaotic, irregular movement of air around the wing to minimize resistance.

Engineering

technical

A type of fluid motion characterized by chaotic changes in pressure and flow velocity, involving eddies and vortices.

At high speeds, the airflow over the car becomes turbulent flow, increasing fuel consumption.

When the car moves fast, the air moves chaotically around it, which uses more gas.

Contrasts with 'laminar flow,' where fluid moves in smooth, parallel layers.

Collocations

transition to turbulent flowchange from smooth to chaotic movementturbulent flow regimestate of chaotic fluid motion

smooth, orderly fluid motion

Use this term only in scientific or technical contexts. In everyday language, 'rough' or 'chaotic' is preferred.

Do not use 'turbulent flow' to describe emotional states or social situations; it is a strict physical science term.

From Latin 'turbulentus' (perturbed, agitated) and 'fluctus' (flow, wave).

Used primarily in physics, engineering, and meteorology to describe fluids (liquids or gases) moving irregularly.

turbulent

characterized by disorder, agitation, or chaos

adjective

flow

the action of moving steadily and smoothly (or in this case, irregularly)

noun

English Dictionary