flow regime

A flow regime describes the pattern or behavior of a fluid—such as water or air—as it moves through a space or around objects. It considers factors like speed, turbulence, and whether the flow is smooth (laminar) or chaotic (turbulent). For example, water flowing gently in a stream has a different flow regime than fast-moving, rough water in rapids. Understanding flow regimes helps in designing systems like pipes, aircraft, or water management to ensure efficient and safe operation by predicting how fluids behave under different conditions.