Friction Coefficient at Laminar Flow

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The friction coefficient of a fluid flow at laminar conditions can be expressed as

λ = 64 / Re 

   = 64 μ / (d v ρ)        (1)

where

λ = friction coefficient (nondimensional)

Re = Reynolds Number (nondimensional)

μ = absoulute viscosity (centipoise, cP)

d = internal diameter (mm)

v = mean velocity of flow (m/s)

ρ = mass density of fluid (kg/m³)

Equation (1) is only valid at laminar conditions where Reynolds Number is less than 2300. For turbulent conditions where Reynolds Number exceeds 4000, the Colebrook equation should be used to calculate the friction coefficient. 

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