UNIT V DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS ANS MODEL STUDIES

PART -
A 1. State the methods of dimensional analysis.

1. Rayleigh‟s method; 2. Buckingham‟s Π theorem; 3.Bridgman‟s methods; 4.Matrix-tensor

method.

2. State Buckingham’s Π theorem(NOV/DEC 2016)

It states that if there are n variables in a dimensionally homogeneous equation and if these
variables contain „m‟ fundamental dimensions (M,L,T), then they are grouped into (n-m),
dimensionless independent Π-terms.

3. State the limitations of dimensional analysis.

(i). Dimensional analysis does not give any due regarding the selection of
variables. (ii).The complete information is not provided by dimensional analysis.

(iii).The values of coefficient and the nature of function can be obtained only by experiments or
from mathematical analysis.

4. Define Similitude.(NOV/DEC 2016)

Similitude is defined as the complete similarity between the model and prototype in every
respect, which means that the model and prototype have similar properties or model and
prototype are completely similar.
Types :
i)Geometric similarity, ii)Kinematic similarity, iii) Dynamic similarity.

5. State Froude’s model law

Froude model law is the law in which the models are based on Froude number which means for
dynamic similarity between model and prototype, the Froude number for both of them should be
equal. It is applicable when the gravity force is only predominant force which controls the flow
in addition to the force of inertia .Applied to i) Free surface flow such as flow over spillway,
weirs,channels, etc.ii) Flow of a jet from an orifice or nozzle.

6. Define the types of models.

The hydraulic models, in general, are classified into following two
categories: (i)Undistorted model, (ii) Distorted model

Undistorted models: is one which is geometrically similar to prototype. The condition of

similitude are completely satisfied for such models, hence the results obtained from the model
tests are easily used to predict the performance of prototype body. In such models the design and
construction of the model and the interpretation of the model results are simpler.

Distorted model: Distorted model one which is not geometrically similar to its prototype. In
such a model different scale ratios for the linear dimensions are adopted. In distorted models, the
planform is geometrically similar to that of prototype but the cross-section is distorted.

7. What are reasons for adopting distorted model?

(i)Maintaining accuracy in critical dimensions

(ii) Maintaining turbulent flow
(iii)Accommodating the available facilities.
(iv)Obtaining suitable roughness condition.

8. Define the term Dimensional Homogenity. How it is attained in a fluid equation

(NOV/DEC 2012)

It means the dimensions of each terms in an equation on both sides are equal. Through

Dimensional analysis it can be obtained in a fluid equation(Rayleigh‟s method; 2. Buckingham‟s

Π theorem).

9.Define the terms Kinematic Similarity and Geometric Similarity.(NOV/DEC 2012)

Geometric similarity: It is said to exist between the model and the prototype. The ratio of all
corresponding linear dimension in the model and prototype are equal.

Kinematic Similarity: It is the similarity of motion between model and prototype. Its said to
exist between the model and the prototype if the ratios of the velocity and acceleration at the
corresponding points in the model and at the corresponding points in the prototype are the same.

10.Define Scale ratio.(MAY/JUN 2012)

When the ratio of all corresponding linear dimensions in the model and prototype are equal, then
the ratio is said to be scale ratio(Lr).
Lp/Lm=bp/bm=Dp/Dm= Lr
11. What is Dynamic similarity in dimensional analysis?(MAY/JUN 2011)

It means the similarity of forces between the model and prototype. Thus it is said to exist
between model and prototype if the ratios of the corresponding forces acting at the corresponding
points are equal.

12. What are the uses of Dimensional analysis?

(i)To test the dimensional homogeneity of any equation of fluid

motion. (ii)To derive rational formulae for a flow phenomenon.

(iii)To derive equations expressed in terms of non-dimensional parameters to show the relative
significance of each parameter.

(iv)To plan model test and present experimental results in a systematic manner: thus making it
possible to analyse the complex fluid flow phenomenon.

13.Show that the equation V= √2gh is dimensionally homogeneous (NOV/DEC 2015)

V= m/s, g = m/s2, h =
m m/s = (m/s2 x m)1/2

L.H.S = R.H.S hence dimensionally homogeneous

14. List the dimesionless Numbers?

(i)Reynolds number, (ii)Froude’s number, (iii)Euler’s number, (iv)Weber’s number, (v)Mach’s
number.

15. Define Reynolds number and its application.

Reynolds Number: It is the ratio of the inertia force to the viscous force (Re=Fi/Fv ).
Application: (i)Analysis of flow through pipe having laminary flow, incompressible flow.
(ii)Analysis of airplane, regarding forces., (iii)Analysis of submerged body.,(iv)Analysis of
submarine.

16. Define Froude’s number and its application. (NOV/DEC 2014)

Froude’s Number: Defined as the square root of the ratio of the inertia force to the gravity
force.

Application:
(i)Analysis of spillway., (ii)Analysis of river flow., (iii)Analysis of ship on the surface of
river. (iv)Analysis of frequency of wave.

17. Define Euler’s number and its application.

Euler’s Number: defined as the square root of the ratio of the inertia force to the pressure force.

Application:
It is mainly applied for turbulent flow through a pipeline (no viscous flow).

18. Define Weber’s number and Mach number.

Weber Number: It is defined as the square root of the ratio of the inertia force to the surface
tension force.

Mach Number: It is defined as the square root of the ratio of the inertia force to the elastic
force.

19. What are the merits of distorted model? (NOV/DEC 2014) (NOV/DEC 2015)

(i)Due to increase in the depth of fluid or height of wave accurate measurements are made
possible.

(ii)The surface tension can be reduced to minimum., (iii)Model size can be sufficiently reduced,
thereby its operation is simplified and also the cost is lowered considerably.

20. What are the advantages of dimensional analysis?

(i)It expresses the fundamental relationship between the variables in dimensionless terms.

(ii)In hydraulic model studies it reduces the number of variables involved in a physical
phenomenon, generally by three., (iii)It enables getting up a theoretical equation in a simplified
dimensional form.

PART – B

1. (i) State and explain Buckingham‟s π theorem. (ii) Check the dimensional homogeneity of the
following common equations in the field of hydraulics. (a)Q=cd.a.√2gH (b)v=C√m.i(NOV/DEC
2012)
2.A 7.2m high and 15m long spillway discharges 94m3/s discharge under a head of 2m.If a 1:9
scale model of a spillway is to be constructed, determine model dimension, head over spillway
model and the model discharge. If the model experiences a force of 7500N, determine the force
on the prototype. (MAY/JUN 2014).

3. State and explain the conditions under which prototype behaviour can be predicted from
model tests. (MAY/JUN 2011)

4. What is a distorted model? How does it differ from an undistorted model? Mention the
advantages and disadvantages of distorted models. (NOV/DEC 2012)

5.A Spillway model built up to a scale of 1/10 is discharging water with a velocity of 1m/s, under
a head of 100mm.Find the velocity of water of the prototype, if the head of water over the
prototype is 5.5 meters.(NOV/DEC 2012)

6. Describe Buckingham‟s π – theorem to formulate a dimensionally homogeneous equation

between the various physical quantities effecting a certain phenomenon(MAY/JUN 2010)

7. By dimensional analysis, show that the power P developed by a hydraulic turbine is given by
P=ρ N 3 D5 f(N 2 D2/gH) where ρ – mass density of liquid, N – rotational speed, D – diameter of
runner, H – working head and g – acceleration due to gravity .(MAY/JUN 2010).

8. A partially submerged body is towed in water . The Resistance R to its motion depends of the
density ρ , viscosity μ of water , Length l of the body, velocity v of the body and acceleration due
to gravity g. Using Buckingham‟s π method of dimensional analysis, express R in terms of
dimensionless parameter. (NOV/DEC 2015)

9. Show that the time period of pendulum t= 2π√(L/g)using Rayleigh‟s method of dimensional
analysis and brief the three types of similitude between model and its prototype. (NOV/DEC

2015)
10. In an airplane model size 1/10 of its prototype the pressure drop is 7.5 kN/m2. The model is
tested in water. Find the corresponding pressure drop in the prototype. Take density of air is 1.24
kg/m3, density of water is 1000 kg/m3, Viscosity of air is 0.00018 poise and viscosity of water is
0.01 poise.

11. The discharge Q of a centrifugal pump depends upon the mass density of fluid (), the speed of
the pump (N), the diameter of the impeller (D), the manometric head (H m) and the viscosity of
fluid (µ).Show that .

13.Using Buckingham‟s π theorem, show that the drag F D of a supersonic aircraft is given by:

FD   L2 V2  (Re, M) . Where, Re  VL  = Reynolds number, M  V c = Mach number,  =

fluid density, c = sonic velocity = K  ,V= velocity of aircraft,K= bulk modulus of fluid,

L=chord length, L2 = wing area = chord x span, ρ = a functional notation.

14.The efficiency η of a fan depends on the density ρ, the dynamic viscosity µ of the fluid, the
angular velocityω, diameter D of the rotor and the discharge Q. Express η in terms of
dimensionless parameters. Use Rayleigh‟s method.(NOV/DEC 2016)
15.Using Buckingham π method of dimensional analysis ontain an expression for the drag force

R on a partially submerged body moving with a relative velocity V in a fluid, the other variables
being the linear dimensions L, height of surface roughness K, fluid density ρ and the
gravitational acceleration g. (NOV/DEC 2016)