Eckert number

The Eckert number (Ec) is a dimensionless number used in continuum mechanics. It expresses the relationship between a flow's kinetic energy and the boundary layer enthalpy difference, and is used to characterize heat transfer dissipation. It is named after Ernst R. G. Eckert.

It is defined as



\mathrm{Ec} = \frac{u^2}{c_p \Delta T} = \frac{ \mbox{Advective Transport} }{ \mbox{Heat  Dissipation  Potential}} $$

where
 * u is the local flow velocity of the continuum,
 * cp is the constant-pressure local specific heat of the continuum,
 * $$\Delta T$$ is the difference between wall temperature and local temperature.