Shields parameter

The Shields parameter, also called the Shields criterion or Shields number, is a nondimensional number used to calculate the initiation of motion of sediment in a fluid flow. It is a nondimensionalization of a shear stress, and is typically denoted τ ∗ {displaystyle au _{ast }} or θ {displaystyle heta } . It is given by: The Shields parameter, also called the Shields criterion or Shields number, is a nondimensional number used to calculate the initiation of motion of sediment in a fluid flow. It is a nondimensionalization of a shear stress, and is typically denoted τ ∗ {displaystyle au _{ast }} or θ {displaystyle heta } . It is given by: