The Froude Number is a dimensionless value used in fluid mechanics to compare inertial forces to gravitational forces. It is defined as the ratio of the flow velocity to the square root of the product of gravitational acceleration and a characteristic length, such as the depth of water. This number helps in understanding the behavior of fluid flow, especially in open channels.
In practical applications, the Froude Number is crucial for analyzing the flow of water in rivers, designing hydraulic structures, and studying ship hydrodynamics. A low Froude Number indicates tranquil flow, while a high value suggests rapid, turbulent flow conditions.