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Study Notes on Dimensionless Numbers - Study Notes on Dimensionless EXIT

Numbers
Day 7 | Boundary Layer & Dimensionless | Study Notes

Dimensional analysis is a mathematical technique which makes use of the study of dimensions as an
aid to the solution of several engineering problems. It deals with the dimensions of the physical
quantities is measured by comparison, which is made with respect to an arbitrarily xed value.
Length L, mass M and Time T are three xed dimensions which are of importance in uid mechanics.
If in any problem of uid mechanics, heat is involved then the temperature is also taken as xed
dimension. These xed dimensions are called fundamental dimensions or fundamental quantity.
Secondary or Derived quantities are those quantities which possess more than one fundamental
dimension. For example, velocity is de ned by distance per unit time (L/T), density by mass per unit
volume (M/L3) and acceleration by distance per second square (L/T2). Then the velocity, density and
acceleration become as secondary or derived quantities. The expressions (L/T), (M/L3) and (L/T2) are
called the dimensions of velocity, density and acceleration respectively

Dimensional Analysis

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Dimensional homogeneity

Dimensional homogeneity means the dimensions of each term in an equation on both sides are
equal. Thus if the dimensions of each term on both sides of an equation are the same the
equation is known as the dimensionally homogeneous equation.
The powers of fundamental dimensions i.e., L, M, T on both sides of the equation will be
identical for a dimensionally homogeneous equation. Such equations are independent of the
system of units.
Dimensions of L.H.S = V= L/T = LT-1 
Dimensions of R.H.S = LT-1 + (LT-2) (T)
= LT-1 + LT-1
= LT-1
Dimensions of L.H.S = Dimensions of R.H.S = LT-1
Let us consider the equation V = u + at

Therefore, equation V = u + at is dimensionally homogeneous

Uses of Dimensional Analysis

It is used to test the dimensional homogeneity of any derived equation. 2. It is used to derive
It is used to derive the equation.
Dimensional analysis helps in planning model tests.

Methods of Dimensional Analysis

If the number of variables involved in a physical phenomenon is known, then the relationship
among the variables can be determined by the following two methods.

Rayleigh‟s Method 

Rayleigh‟s method of analysis is adopted when a number of parameters or variables is less (3 or

4 or 5).
If the number of independent variables becomes more than four, then it is very di cult to nd
the expression for the dependent variable

Buckingham‟s (Π– theorem) Method

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If there are n – variables in a physical phenomenon and those n-variables contains 'm'
 dimensions, then the variables can be arranged into (n-m) dimensionless groups called
Π terms.
If f (X1, X2, X3, ……… Xn) = 0 and variables can be expressed using m dimensions then. f (Π1,
Π2,Π3, ……… Πn - m) = 0 Where, Π1, Π2, Π3, ……… are dimensionless groups.
Each Π term contains (m + 1) variables out of which m are of repeating type and one is of non-
repeating type.
Each Π term being dimensionless, the dimensional homogeneity can be used to get each Π
term.

Method of Selecting Repeating Variables 

Avoid taking the quantity required as the repeating variable.

Repeating variables put together should not form a dimensionless group.
No two repeating variables should have same dimensions.
Repeating variables can be selected from each of the following properties
Geometric property - Length, Height, Width, Area
Flow property - Velocity, Acceleration, Discharge
Fluid property – Mass Density, Viscosity, Surface Tension

Model Studies
Before constructing or manufacturing hydraulics structures or hydraulics machines tests are
performed on their models to obtain desired information about their performance.
Models are a small scale replica of actual structure or machine.
The actual structure is called prototype.

Similitude  

It is de ned as the similarity between the prototype and its model. It is also known as similarity.
There three types of similarities and they are as follows.

Geometric similarity 

Geometric similarity is said to exist between the model and prototype if the ratio of
corresponding linear dimensions between model and prototype are equal. i.e.

where Lr is known as scale ratio or linear ratio.

Kinematic Similarity 

Kinematic similarity exists between prototype and model if quantities such at velocity and
acceleration at corresponding points on model and prototype are same.

Where Vr  is known as velocity ratio

Dynamic Similarity

Dynamic similarity is said to exist between model and prototype if the ratio of forces at
corresponding points of model and prototype is constant.
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Where Fr  is known as force ratio.

Dimensionless Numbers 

Following dimensionless numbers are used in uid mechanics.

Reynolds‟s number
Froude‟s number
Euler‟s number
Weber‟s number
Mach number

Reynold’s number 

It is de ned as the ratio of inertia force of the uid to viscous force. 

NRe= Fi/Fv
Froude’s Number (Fr)

It is de ned as the ratio of square root of inertia force to gravity force.

Fr=√Fi/Fg

Model Laws (Similarity laws)

Reynold’s Model Law

For the ows where in addition to inertia force, the similarity of ow in the model and
predominant force, the similarity of ow in model and prototype can be established if Re is
same for both the system.
This is known as Reynold‟s Model Law.
Re for model = Re for prototype
(NRe)m = (NRe)p

 
Applications

In the ow of incompressible uids in closed pipes. 

The motion of submarine completely under water. 
Motion of airplanes.

Froude’s Model Law

When the force of gravity is predominant in addition to inertia force then similarity can be
established by Froude‟s number.
This is known as Froude‟s model law.
(Fr)m = (Fr)p NEXT

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Applications

Flow over spillways

Channels, rivers (free surface ows).
Waves on the surface. 
Flow of different density uids one above the other

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