Atwood number

noun

A dimensionless number used in the study of hydrodynamic instabilities in density stratified flows: A=(ρ₁-ρ₂)/(ρ₁+ρ₂), where ρ₁ is the density of the heavier fluid and ρ₂ is the density of the lighter fluid.

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Meanings

nounAtwood number (plural Atwood numbers)

plural Atwood numbers

  1. fluid dynamicsA dimensionless number used in the study of hydrodynamic instabilities in density stratified flows: A=(ρ₁-ρ₂)/(ρ₁+ρ₂), where ρ₁ is the density of the heavier fluid and ρ₂ is the density of the lighter fluid.

Origin

Probably named after George Atwood.

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Cite this entry
APA

Atwood number. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Atwood%20number

MLA

“Atwood number.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Atwood%20number. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Atwood number,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Atwood%20number.

Source: Atwood number on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.