Fourier number

Fourier number [‚fu̇r·ē‚ā ‚nəm·bər]

(fluid mechanics)

A dimensionless number used in unsteady-state flow problems, equal to the product of the dynamic viscosity and a characteristic time divided by the product of the fluid density and the square of a characteristic length. SymbolizedFo_f.

(physics)

A dimensionless number used in the study of unsteady-state mass transfer, equal to the product of the diffusion coefficient and a characteristic time divided by the square of a characteristic length. SymbolizedN_Fom.

(thermodynamics)

A dimensionless number used in the study of unsteady-state heat transfer, equal to the product of the thermal conductivity and a characteristic time, divided by the product of the density, the specific heat at constant pressure, and the distance from the midpoint of the body through which heat is passing to the surface. SymbolizedN_Foh.