Abstract
By means of a linearizing approximation, the Navier-Stokes equations are solved for the case of steady flow in the transition length of a straight tube. The family of velocity profiles is defined by Bessel functions, and the parameter of this family is tabulated against the axial co-ordinate in a dimensionless form. Hence, the length of transition is obtained. The curves give a comparison of the author’s calculations of the velocity field with those of other investigators, and with the experimental data of Nikuradse. The pressure function is derived from the computed velocity field by means of the energy equation, and the pressure drop in the transition length is defined by a dimensionless constant m, which is computed to be 2.28. A discussion of this constant is given in the conclusions.