TED-Ed: Tomás Chor: Turbulence: one of the great unsolved mysteries of physics

Turbulence is a complex and ubiquitous phenomenon affecting various systems with moving fluids. It involves chaotic flows and is influenced by forces like inertia and viscosity. The Reynolds number helps measure the likelihood of turbulence. Despite its prevalence, predicting turbulence remains challenging due to its sensitivity to disruptions and the influence of external factors. Advances in computing may aid in developing a unified theory. Understanding turbulence could lead to significant benefits, such as improved weather prediction and more efficient energy systems.

Which of the following systems is NOT affected by turbulence?

• Coffee being stirred

• The motion of planets

• Blood flow in arteries

• Airflow in the respiratory tract

What is a key characteristic of turbulent flow?

• It is always random

• It is stable and smooth

• It is sensitive to disruptions

• It has no eddies

What happens to eddies in turbulent flows?

• They break up and become smaller

• They grow larger over time

• They disappear completely

• They remain the same size

What does a high Reynolds number indicate?

• A flow is more likely to be laminar

• A flow is more likely to be turbulent

• A flow has high viscosity

• A flow has low inertia

Why is the Reynolds number not always effective?

• It only applies to gases

• It ignores factors like gravity and rotation

• It only works for liquids

• It is too complex to calculate

What do scientists believe is necessary to better predict turbulence?

• Ignoring statistical methods

• Simpler mathematical models

• Increased computing power

• More empirical evidence

What is a potential benefit of understanding turbulence?

• Stable weather patterns

• Increased viscosity in fluids

• Faster planetary orbits

• More efficient wind farms