Which factor has a significant effect on flow in turbulent flow?

In turbulent flow, the characteristics of the flow become complex, and one of the most significant factors that affects flow is pipe roughness. When the surface of a pipe is rough, it introduces additional frictional resistance to the flow of the fluid. This can lead to greater energy loss and potentially alter the velocity profile of the fluid within the pipe. The roughness enhances turbulent mixing and can influence the overall flow rate and pressure drop across the length of the pipe.

While factors like velocity, density, and temperature do play roles in fluid dynamics, they do not have as direct an impact on turbulent flow as pipe roughness does. For instance, increasing the velocity may enhance turbulence, but if the pipe surface is smooth, the flow may still behave differently than it would in a rough pipe. Similarly, while density and temperature influence fluid properties, the immediate and direct impact of pipe roughness on resistance and flow characteristics is particularly pronounced in turbulent conditions. Thus, understanding the effects of surface roughness on flow is essential for effective plumbing design and analysis.