The Froude Number (Fr) is a dimensionless parameter used in fluid mechanics to compare the inertial forces to gravitational forces acting on a fluid flow. It is defined mathematically as:
where:
The Froude Number is crucial for understanding various flow phenomena, particularly in open channel flows, ship hydrodynamics, and aerodynamics. A Froude Number less than 1 indicates that gravitational forces dominate (subcritical flow), while a value greater than 1 signifies that inertial forces are more significant (supercritical flow). This number helps engineers and scientists predict flow behavior, design hydraulic structures, and analyze the stability of floating bodies.
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