Laplace number

Template:Short description The Laplace number (Template:Math), also known as the Suratman number (Template:Math), 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 named after Pierre-Simon Laplace and Indonesian physicist P. C. Suratman.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

It is defined as follows:<ref name="Balakotaiah_99">Template:Cite journal</ref>

<math qid=Q179814>\mathrm{La} = \mathrm{Su} = \frac{\sigma \rho L}{\mu^2}</math>

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:Template:R

<math>\mathrm{La} = \frac{\mathrm{Re}^2}{\mathrm{We}}</math>

See also

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