Keulegan-Carpenter Number Calculator

Keulegan-Carpenter Number Formula:

\[ KC = \frac{V_{fv} \times T}{L} \]

Amplitude of Flow Velocity Oscillation (Vfv):

m/s

Time Period of Oscillations (T):

Length Scale (L):

Keulegan-Carpenter Number (KC):

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1. What is the Keulegan-Carpenter Number?

The Keulegan-Carpenter Number (KC) is a dimensionless quantity that describes the relative importance of drag forces in oscillatory flow conditions. It is particularly important in coastal engineering and fluid dynamics for analyzing wave-structure interactions.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Keulegan-Carpenter Number formula:

\[ KC = \frac{V_{fv} \times T}{L} \]

Where:

\( V_{fv} \) — Amplitude of Flow Velocity Oscillation (m/s)
\( T \) — Time Period of Oscillations (s)
\( L \) — Length Scale (m)

Explanation: The Keulegan-Carpenter Number represents the ratio of drag forces to inertia forces in oscillatory flow, helping to characterize flow regimes around structures.

3. Importance of Keulegan-Carpenter Number

Details: The KC number is crucial for predicting vortex shedding patterns, drag and inertia coefficients, and overall hydrodynamic loading on offshore structures, pipelines, and marine equipment in wave-dominated environments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the amplitude of flow velocity oscillation in m/s, time period of oscillations in seconds, and length scale in meters. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a high KC number indicate?
A: A high KC number (>15-20) typically indicates dominance of drag forces, while low KC numbers (<3) indicate dominance of inertia forces in the flow.

Q2: How is KC number used in practical applications?
A: It's used to determine appropriate force coefficients (Cd and Cm) in Morison's equation for calculating wave forces on slender marine structures.

Q3: What are typical KC number ranges in ocean engineering?
A: KC numbers in offshore engineering typically range from 0 to 40+, with different flow regimes (attached flow, vortex shedding, etc.) occurring at different KC ranges.

Q4: How does KC number relate to Reynolds number?
A: Both are important dimensionless numbers. KC characterizes oscillatory flow conditions while Reynolds number characterizes flow turbulence. Both are needed for complete flow characterization.

Q5: Can KC number be applied to non-circular structures?
A: Yes, though the interpretation may vary. For non-circular sections, equivalent diameter or characteristic length is used, and force coefficients are typically determined experimentally.