Question

What is the Reynolds number for blood leaving the heart through the aorta if the diameter of the aorta is 2.15 cm, and the blood has a dynamic viscosity of 2.70 x 10-³ Pa·s, a density of 1050 kg/m³, and travels at a mean fluid velocity of 40.1 cm/s?

Reynolds number_____
The blood flow through the aorta in the given scenario is
a. turbulent.
b. laminar
c. transitioning between laminar and turbulen.

Answer 1

The Reynolds number for blood leaving the heart through the aorta is 180311.48, indicating turbulent flow.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Reynolds number can be calculated using the formula:

Re = (density * velocity * diameter) / viscosity

Substituting the given values:

density = 1050 kg/m³

velocity = 40.1 cm/s = 0.401 m/s

diameter = 2.15 cm = 0.0215 m

viscosity = 2.70 x 10^-³ Pa·s

Re = (1050 * 0.401 * 0.0215) / (2.70 x 10^-³)

Re = 180311.48

Therefore, the Reynolds number for blood leaving the heart through the aorta is 180311.48.

With a Reynolds number of more than 3000, the flow through the aorta is turbulent. So, the blood flow through the aorta in this scenario is turbulent.