Laminar flow is a smooth and orderly movement of fluid, where layers of fluid slide past one another without mixing. This type of flow occurs at low velocities and is characterized by parallel streamlines. It is commonly observed in situations like the flow of water in a straight pipe or air moving slowly over a surface.
In contrast to turbulent flow, which is chaotic and irregular, laminar flow is predictable and stable. It is important in various applications, such as in aerodynamics and hydraulics, where minimizing resistance and maximizing efficiency are crucial for performance.