Weber Number

The Weber number (We) is a dimensionless number used in fluid dynamics to

characterize the relative importance of inertial forces to surface tension forces. It is named
after the German physicist and engineer Wilhelm Weber. The Weber number is particularly
relevant in the study of fluid flows where surface tension is a significant factor, such as in
the behavior of droplets, jets, and thin films.

The Weber number is defined as the ratio of inertial forces to surface tension forces and is
expressed mathematically as:

We = (pv^2L/σ)

L = characteristic length, ρ = density, v = flow rate, σ = surface tension.

The Weber number helps us understand whether the fluid's behavior is dominated by inertia or surface tension.
As mentioned below:

● If We≪1: Surface tension dominates, and the fluid tends to form rounded droplets or maintain a smooth,
stable surface.
○ Surface tension acts to minimize the surface area of the fluid, resulting in stable and rounded
shapes. Examples include dew droplets on leaves, where surface tension helps maintain a spherical
form due to the dominance of cohesive forces over inertial forces.
○ In a low Weber number regime, the fluid tends to resist breakup or atomization.
○ Turbulent behavior is suppressed, and the overall flow is more smooth and continuous.
● If We≫1: Inertial forces dominate, and the fluid tends to break into smaller droplets or exhibit more
turbulent behavior.
○ Inertial forces become more significant compared to surface tension forces.
○ The fluid experiences higher momentum, potentially leading to more turbulent and dynamic
behavior. Fluid structures, such as liquid jets or streams, are more likely to break into smaller
droplets or experience turbulence.
 Applications

1. One application of the Weber number is the study of heat pipes. When the momentum
flux in the vapor core of the heat pipe is high, there is a possibility that the shear
stress exerted on the liquid in the wick can be large enough to entrain droplets into
the vapor flow.
2. Since the Weber Number represents an index of the inertial force to the surface
tension force acting on a fluid element, it can be useful analyzing thin films flows and
the formation of droplets and bubbles.
3. It is often useful in analysing fluid flows where there is an interface between two
different fluids, especially for multiphase flows with strongly curved surfaces .