Class: `TypeOfFlow`

The TypeOfFlow class determines the type of fluid flow based on the Reynolds number (Re).
It is part of the ProcessPI Calculations module and inherits from CalculationBase.

📖 Description

The flow regime describes how fluid moves through a pipe or channel.
It is classified into Laminar, Transitional, or Turbulent flow, depending on the Reynolds number.

Laminar Flow → Smooth, orderly flow with little mixing (Re < 2000)
Transitional Flow → Unstable regime, switching between laminar & turbulent (2000 ≤ Re ≤ 4000)
Turbulent Flow → Chaotic, highly mixed flow (Re > 4000)

📊 Formula / Criteria

The classification is based on the Reynolds number:

\[ Re = \frac{\rho \cdot v \cdot D}{\mu} \]

Where:

Symbol	Description	Units
\( Re \)	Reynolds number	– (dimensionless)
\( \rho \)	Fluid density	kg/m³
\( v \)	Fluid velocity	m/s
\( D \)	Pipe diameter	m
\( \mu \)	Dynamic viscosity	Pa·s

⚙️ Inputs

reynolds_number → Reynolds number (dimensionless)

📤 Output

Returns a StringUnit object containing the determined flow type:
- "Laminar"
- "Transitional"
- "Turbulent"

🛠️ Methods

validate_inputs()
Ensures the required input reynolds_number is provided.
Raises ValueError if missing.

calculate()
Classifies the flow regime based on Reynolds number:

If Re < 2000 → "Laminar"
If 2000 ≤ Re ≤ 4000 → "Transitional"
If Re > 4000 → "Turbulent"

Returns:
StringUnit: The computed flow type.

💻 Example Usage

Using the TypeOfFlow

from processpi.calculations import TypeOfFlow
from processpi.units import Dimensionless

# Example Reynolds number
Re = Dimensionless(3500)

# Create calculation instance
flow_calc = TypeOfFlow(reynolds_number=Re)

# Perform calculation
flow_type = flow_calc.calculate()

print(f"Flow Type: {flow_type}")

**Using the CalculationEngine

from processpi.engine import CalculationEngine
from processpi.units import Dimensionless

# Initialize engine
engine = CalculationEngine()

# Example Reynolds number
Re = Dimensionless(3500)

# Perform flow type classification using the engine
flow_type = engine.calculate(
    "type_of_flow",
    reynolds_number=Re
)

print(f"Flow Type (via Engine): {flow_type}")

Class: TypeOfFlow