Laplace number

The Laplace number (La), also known as the Suratman number (Su), is a dimensionless number used in the characterization of free surface fluid dynamics. It represents a ratio of surface tension to the momentum-transport (especially dissipation) inside a fluid.

It is defined as follows:[1]

${\displaystyle \mathrm {La} =\mathrm {Su} ={\frac {\sigma \rho L}{\mu ^{2}}}}$

where:

• σ = surface tension
• ρ = density
• L = length
• μ = liquid viscosity

Laplace number is related to Reynolds number (Re) and Weber number (We) in the following way:[1]

${\displaystyle \mathrm {La} ={\frac {\mathrm {Re} ^{2}}{\mathrm {We} }}}$

See also

• Ohnesorge number - There is an inverse relationship, ${\displaystyle \mathrm {La} =\mathrm {Oh} ^{-2}}$, between the Laplace number and the Ohnesorge number.

References

1. Balakotaiah, V.; Jayawardena, S. S.; Nguyen, L. T. (1999). "Studies on Normal and Microgravity Annular Two Phase Flows" (PDF). Proceedings of the Fourth Microgravity Fluid Physics and Transport Phenomena Conference. Retrieved 27 May 2024.