Turbulence is a complex and irregular state of fluid motion characterized by chaotic changes in pressure and velocity. Unlike smooth, orderly laminar flow, turbulent flow is unpredictable and involves swirling motions called eddies and vortices of varying sizes.
This regime arises when a fluid’s speed increases or when it flows past obstacles, especially at high Reynolds numbers. Turbulent flows are non-linear, meaning small changes in conditions can lead to large, unpredictable variations in behavior.
Turbulence plays a major role in natural and engineered systems—such as air movement in weather patterns, water flow in rivers, or airflow around vehicles and aircraft. Though difficult to model precisely due to its chaotic nature, understanding turbulence is essential for improving energy efficiency, reducing drag, and predicting environmental and industrial fluid behavior.