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Fourier number

From Encyclopedia of Mathematics
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A similitude indicator for non-stationary heat processes. It characterizes the relation between the rate of change of the heat conditions in the surrounding medium and the rate of reconstructing the temperature field inside the system (body) under consideration. It depends on the dimensions of the body and its coefficient of heat conductivity. The Fourier number $\mathrm{Fo} = a t_0 / l^2$ where $a = \lambda / \rho c$ is the coefficient of thermal conductivity, $\lambda$ is the heat conductivity, $\rho$ is the density, $c$ is the specific heat, $l$ is the characteristic linear dimension of the body, and $t_0$ is the characteristic time of a change in the exterior conditions.

It is named after J. Fourier.

References

Zbl 0095.20303
[a1] L.I. Sedov, "Similarity and dimensional methods in mechanics" , Infosearch (1959) (Translated from Russian)
[a2] G. Birkhoff, "Hydrodynamics, a study in logic, fact and similitude" , Princeton Univ. Press (1960)
How to Cite This Entry:
Fourier number. Encyclopedia of Mathematics. URL: http://encyclopediaofmath.org/index.php?title=Fourier_number&oldid=54816
This article was adapted from an original article by Material from the article "Fourier number" in BSE-3 (originator), which appeared in Encyclopedia of Mathematics - ISBN 1402006098. See original article