Engineering Riddle – No. 5 (Fluid Mechanics) “Dimensionless”


I’m a fraction made of forces, comparing different strength
I have no final units, only characteristic length
I sample speed and weight and size, these are the things I measure
My subject as it ebbs and flows, changes shape forever
On top I show inertia, the power to keep things steady
Below I measure thickness, stickiness and eddy
In pipe or duct or channel, o’er wings be smooth, or rough
I’ll tell you dominant motive, whether sheering’s weak or tough
 
What am I?

About Kenneth Richard Hardman

AncestorClips are very short stories about very real people. Each clip nurtures awareness of a time, a place, and the character of a man or woman who cultivated a path for our life. The reader feels the good, the obstacles, the happiness, the sadness, and the overcoming. They cheer us, make us resilient when challenged, give us purpose, and connect us to our multi-generational family. Each story is followed by reflections from the author and readers sharing how the story strengthened or inspired them. Ken Hardman is a son, a brother, a grandson, a great-grandson… He is also a husband, father and grand-father. Ken is a professional engineer, engineering mentor, technical writer, and associate technical fellow at a major aerospace company. He is a writer of engineering and family history stories. Please join Ken in reading, reflecting upon, or writing #AncestorClips
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2 Responses to Engineering Riddle – No. 5 (Fluid Mechanics) “Dimensionless”

  1. In the study of fluid mechanics, the Reynolds Number is used to understand and predict the type of fluid flow in various situations. Here is a more detailed explanation.
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reynolds_number

  2. Anonymous says:

    What is the Reynolds Number?

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