Free Surface - Related Terms

Related Terms

• In hydrodynamics, the free surface is defined mathematically by the free-surface condition:

• In fluid dynamics, a free-surface vortex, also known as a potential vortex or whirlpool, forms in an irrotational flow, for example when a bathtub is drained.

• In naval architecture and marine safety, the free surface effect occurs when liquids or granular materials under a free surface in partially filled tanks or holds shift when the vessel heels.

• In hydraulic engineering a free-surface jet is one where the entrainment of the fluid outside the jet is minimal, as opposed to submerged jet where the entrainment effect is significant. A liquid jet in air approximates a free surface jet.

• In fluid mechanics a free surface flow, also called open channel flow, is the gravity driven flow of a fluid under a free surface, typically water flowing under air in the atmosphere.