PHAK · Chapter 5: Aerodynamics of Flight
FAA · Retrieved 2026-09-05
Educational reference; original Owl summariesAERODYNAMICS
Reynolds number
FLIGHT SCIENCE / CONCEPT REFERENCE
SCIENCEConditions & principles
A dimensionless comparison of inertial and viscous effects in a flow.
REFERENCE COVERAGE3 / 3 editorial sections
PROVENANCE1 linked source
LAST RETRIEVED2026-09-05
Editorial section coverage describes the article structure, not scientific validation or completeness.
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Source editions
PHAK · Chapter 5: Aerodynamics of Flight ↗Edition / snapshot: FAA-H-8083-25C, 2023Retrieved: 2026-09-05
Retrieval dates record when Owl obtained the data; they are not publication dates or proof that a specification is current. Where the edition contains only a snapshot date, the original publication date is not recorded.
01
Mechanism
Speed, length scale, density and viscosity combine to describe a flow regime. Geometrically similar shapes can behave differently at different Reynolds numbers.
02
Aircraft response
Transition, skin friction and separation influence lift and drag; small models do not automatically reproduce full-size aircraft behavior.
03
Context & interpretation
Reynolds number alone cannot describe all similarity requirements. Mach number, roughness and external turbulence may also matter.
Physical relationship
Re = ρ V c / μc: characteristic length in m; μ: dynamic viscosity in Pa·s.
Sources & context
Educational explanation of physical mechanisms. Aircraft-specific procedures, limitations and current weather information are separate references.