ASHRAE Terminology

A Comprehensive Glossary of Terms for the Built Environment
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Froude number

(1) dimensionless number equal to the ratio of the speed of flow of a fluid in an open channel to the speed of very small gravity waves, the latter being equal to the square root of the product of the acceleration of gravity and a characteristic length. (Symbol is Fr2 or NFr 2). See also gravity current. (2) dimensionless number used in studying the motion of a body floating on a fluid with production of surface waves and eddies, equal to the ratio of the square of the relative speed to the product of the acceleration of gravity and a characteristic length of the body. (Symbol is Fr, Fr1, or NFr 1).

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About ASHRAE Terminology

ASHRAE Terminology, a free resource, is a comprehensive online glossary of more than 3700 terms and definitions related to the built environment, with a focus on heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC), as well as refrigeration, building envelope, electrical, lighting, water and energy use, and measurement terms.

This searchable glossary was designed for use by engineering professionals but is also useful for architects, building owners and operators, educators, public officials, and homeowners.

The terms in ASHRAE Terminology have been assembled and defined and are updated on an ongoing basis by ASHRAE Technical Committee (TC) 1.6, Terminology. TC 1.6 is concerned with terminology, nomenclature, definitions, abbreviations, symbols, and the International System (SI) and Inch-Pound (I-P) units used in the fields of heating, ventilating, air conditioning, water heating, and refrigeration.

To request a free electronic file of the complete list of terms and definitions, email ashraetermseditor@ashrae.org.