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Definitions

Key dimensionless parameters computed by flow_state.

Speed of Sound

The speed of sound in a perfect gas:

\[ a = \sqrt{\gamma R T} \]

See Gas Properties for values of \(\gamma\) and \(R\).

Mach Number

The ratio of flow velocity to the local speed of sound:

\[ M = \frac{U}{a} \]

Reynolds Number

The unit Reynolds number (Reynolds number per unit length):

\[ \text{Re}_1 = \frac{\rho U}{\mu} \]

where \(\mu\) is the dynamic viscosity. See Transport Models for viscosity laws.

The Reynolds number based on a reference length \(L\):

\[ \text{Re}_L = \text{Re}_1 \cdot L = \frac{\rho U L}{\mu} \]