Archimedes number
The Archimedes number (Ar) is a dimensionless quantity in fluid mechanics that quantifies the relative influence of buoyancy forces arising from density differences to viscous forces in fluid flows.[1] It is defined by the formula\mathrm{Ar} = \frac{g l^3 \Delta \rho}{\nu^2 \rho},
where g is the acceleration due to gravity, l is a characteristic length scale, \Delta \rho is the density difference between the fluid and the perturbing body or phase, \nu is the kinematic viscosity of the fluid, and \rho is the fluid density.[1] An equivalent form for particulate systems is
\mathrm{Ar} = \frac{g d_p^3 \rho_f (\rho_p - \rho_f)}{\mu^2},
with d_p as particle diameter, \rho_f and \rho_p as fluid and particle densities, respectively, and \mu as dynamic viscosity.[2] Physically, the Archimedes number represents the balance between gravitational (buoyant) forces driving motion due to density gradients and the resisting viscous friction within the fluid.[3] When Ar ≪ 1, viscous forces dominate, leading to laminar or creeping flows where buoyancy has minimal effect, such as in highly viscous media or small-scale systems.[4] Conversely, when Ar ≫ 1, buoyancy forces prevail, promoting inertial motion, particle settling, or the onset of turbulence in free convection scenarios.[1] A critical value of Ar often marks transitions, such as from stable laminar to unstable turbulent free-convective flows.[1] The Archimedes number finds broad applications in analyzing natural and mixed convection, where it parameterizes the competition between free (buoyancy-driven) and forced convection to predict flow regimes and temperature profiles.[4] In multiphase flows, it aids in modeling particle re-suspension, settling velocities, and minimum stirring requirements, with low Ar values (e.g., Ar < 40) indicating conditions where particles remain suspended only under sufficient agitation.[2] It is also essential in chemical engineering for designing fluidized and spouted beds, determining minimum fluidization velocities, and classifying particle behavior in gas-solid systems based on density-driven dynamics.[3]