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:

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

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:

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

See also

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