Sherwood Numbers represent a relationship between a mass transfer coefficient, a characteristic length -- such as pipe diameter -- and a coefficient of diffusion. Sherwood Numbers are considered "dimensionless," as they are only a ratio with no units. The ratio tells scientists which process -- mass transfer or diffusion -- operates most prominently in a given scenario. It is generally accepted that faster-running liquids will have higher Sherwood numbers, showing mass transfer to be the primary force. Sherwood Numbers are useful for any liquid transfer, including soil evaporation of rain water.
Instructions
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1
Assemble the required variables. This will include the mass transfer coefficient, characteristic length and diffusion coefficient. The characteristic length might be the pipe diameter.
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2
Use the formula:
Sherwood Number = Mass Transport Coefficient * Characteristic Length / Diffusion Coefficient
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3
Plug in your variables in the appropriate fields to calculate the Sherwood Number.