What is a laminar flow?

A laminar flow occurs when fluids flow in layers that are parallel without any disruptions between the layers. The particles in fluids flow in an orderly motion in straight lines that run parallel to the pipe wall.

Laminar flow described in fluid dynamics is a flow pattern characterized by either a lower momentum convection or a higher momentum diffusion. When fluids flow through closed channels like pipes either turbulent or laminar flow will occur, depending on the fluid’s velocity. Turbulent flow can be described as rough and occurs in fluids with higher velocities that lead to lateral mixing, while laminar flow can be described as smooth.