BME II/II, FM: Dimensional Analysis

FLUID MECHANICS
Chapter Five: Dimensional Analysis
For: By:
BME II/II Raj Kumar Chaulagain
Department of Automobile and Mechanical Engineering Lecturer, Mechanical Engineering
Thapathali Campus, IOE, TU Department of Automobile and Mechanical Engineering
Thapathali Campus, IOE, TU

June, 2019
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 BME II/II, FM: Dimensional Analysis

CHAPTER OVERVIEW

1. Dimension
2. Dimensional homogeneity
3. Dimensional analysis
4. Model analysis
5. Similitude
6. Forces influencing Hydraulic Phenomena
7. Dimensionless Numbers
8. Scale effect in models
9. Buckingham's  theorem

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 BME II/II, FM: Dimensional Analysis

1. DIMENSIONS
• Fundamental quantities (FQ):
Eg. mass (m), Length (L), Time (T), Temp. ()

• Derived or Secondary quantities:

expressed in terms of the FQ.
Eg. velocity, area, acceleration etc.

• Dimensions of physical quantities:

expressed in terms of DQ or FQ.

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2. DIMENSIONAL HOMOGENEITY

• Physical equation = relation between 2 or more Physical Quantities.

• Dimensional Homogeneity:
• every terms in an equation when reduced to FD must contain identical power of each
dimension.
• Correct Physical equation must be Dimensionally Homogeneous.
• Dimensional Homogeneity equation is applicable to all system of units.
• In DHE, only quantities having same dimensions can be subtracted, added or
equated.
• Example of DHE:
• p = gh
• ML-1T-2 = ML-2T-2  L = ML-1T-2
• Dimension of LHS = Dimension of RHS

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2. DIMENSIONAL HOMOGENEITY
Application of DH
• It facilitates to determine the dimensions of a Physical Quantities.

• Check for Dimensional Homogeneity of an equation of any physical

phenomena.

• Facilitates for the conversion of units from one system to another.

• Provide steps of analysis of experiment and express experiment results.

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3. DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
• It is mathematical technique, which makes the use of the study of the dimension
for solving complex engineering problems.
• Each physical phenomena can be expressed by an equation ( giving relationship
between different dimensional quantities).
• It is based on dimensional homogeneity.
• It helps in determining a systematic arrangement of variables in the relationship.
Thus combining dimensional variables to form non dimensional parameter.
• It is an important tool for analyzing fluid flow problems and expressing the
experiment results in synthetic manner.

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 BME II/II, FM: Dimensional Analysis

3. DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
Use of dimensional analysis
• To determine the homogeneity of eq. of fluid.
• To derive relational formula for flow phenomena.
• To derive eq. expressed in terms of Non Dimensional parameters.
• To show the relative significant of each parameters.
• To perform model test.
• To analyse the complex fluid flow phenomenon.
• To present the experimental results in synthetic manner.

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 BME II/II, FM: Dimensional Analysis

3. DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
Advantages of Dimensional analysis
• It express the functional relationship between the variables in dimensionless
terms.
• It helps to reduce no. of variables involved in a physical phenomena.
• Dimensionless parameters can be used to make logical decision of the
problems.
• Design curves or direct solution of the problems from the experimental data
could be done.
• It enables getting a theoretical eq. in a simplified dimensional form.
• It enables practical solution to the complex flow problems.
• It facilitates conversion of units of quantities from one system to another
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3. DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
Methods of Dimensional Analysis
• Dimensional Analysis helps to develop the eq. of physical parameters in terms of dimensionless
equations reducing numbers of variables.
• Method: Buckingham’s - method
Limitations of DA
• It gives information about grouping of variables.
• It does not give any clue regarding the selection of variables.
• Real experiment is necessary for the correct selection of variables.
• It only indicates some relationship between parameters but not complete information of values of
coefficient in functional relationship.
• Values of coefficients and nature of functions need real experiment.

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 BME II/II, FM: Dimensional Analysis

4. MODEL ANALYSIS
• Model
is the small / large / same size (depending upon the need and purpose)
scale replica of the actual structure or m/c.

• Prototype is the actual structure or m/c.

• Before construction of prototype, models are tested to get required

information.

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4. MODEL ANALYSIS
Advantages of Model Testing
• Performance of prototype of hydraulic structure, m/c could be predicted in
advance.

• It is economical and convenient. (because the design, construction and operation

can be changed to get the best).

• When the analytical method could not predict the safety and reliability, this
method could be used.

• To detect and rectify the defect of existing structure or m/c or parts of them.

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4. MODEL ANALYSIS
Application of the Model Testing
• Civil engineering structure- dam, spillway, weirs, canals.
• Flood control, investigation of silting, score of rivers, irrigation channels.
• Turbines, pumps and compressors.
• Design of harbors, ships and submarines.
• Airplanes, rockets and missiles.
• Tall buildings (load calculations, building stability, air flow patterns etc.)

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5. SIMILITUDE
• The model prepared must be similar to the prototype.
• Following similarities are considered according to the conditions.
5.1 Geometric similarity
5.2 Kinematic similarity
5.3 Dynamic similarity

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5. SIMILITUDE
5.1 Geometric similarity
• For this the ratio of corresponding length and angles between Model and
Prototype must be same.

• The reciprocal is called geometrically distorted model.

• Condition of GS
• Lm / Lp = Bm /Bp = Hm / Hp = Dm / Dp =Lr (called scale ratio/ factor)
• Am /Ap = Ar (area ratio)
• Vm /Vp =Vr (volume ratio)

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5. SIMILITUDE

5.2 Kinematic similarity

• The ratio of velocity and acceleration at the corresponding points of
M and P are same.
• The direction of the velocities at the corresponding points of M and
P are same.
• The GS is pre-requisite condition for KS.
• Conditions for KS are:
• v1m / v1p = v2m / v2p = vr
• a1m / a1p = a2m / a2p = ar

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5. SIMILITUDE

5.3 Dynamic similarity

• If at all corresponding points of M and P are identical type of forces and
parallel. (same direction and same ratio)
• The force polygons of the two flows can be superimposed by change in
force scale.
• DS conditions are:
• (Fi)m / (Fi)p = (Fv)m / (Fv)p =(Fg)m / (Fg)p = Fr

Limitations of hydraulic similitude

• Selection of size of model is a matter of experience.
• Expensive

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6. FORCES INFLUENCING HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

6.1 Inertia force Fi :
Fi = ma =   volume  a =  A v2

6.2 Viscous Force Fv:

Fv =   A (shear stress due to viscosity  surface area of the flow)
=  du/dy A =   v/D  A

6.3 Surface tension Force Fs:

Fs = ST  length of the surface of the flowing fluid

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6. FORCES INFLUENCING HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

6.4 Gravity Force Fg:
Fg = m  g =   volume  g =  L3 g

6.5 Pressure Force Fp:

Fp= Pressure intensity  cross-sectional area of flowing fluid
=pA

6.6 Elastic Force Fe:

Fe = Elastic stress  area of the fluid flow

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7. DIMENSIONLESS NUMBERS
• Dimensionless Less No.= Fi / (Fv or Fg or Fp or Fs or Fe)
A. Reynolds Number, Re:
• Fi /Fv =  A v2 / (  v/D A) =  v D / 
• It is significant where Fv significant wrt Fi than other Fs.
• It is use in pipe flow to determine L/F or T/F.
• To get dynamic similarities between two flow situations.
• Examples:
• motion of submarine completely under water,
• low velocity motion around automobiles and airplanes,
• incompressible flow through pipes of smaller diameter,
• flow through low speed turbo machines.
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7. DIMENSIONLESS NUMBERS
B. Froude’s Number, Fr:

• Fr = ( Fi / Fg )1/2 = ( A v2 /  L3 g)1/2
= v /(L.g)1/2 [: A=L2]

• It is significant where Fg and Fi are of importance than other Forces.

• Eg: flow over the notches and weirs; flow over spillway and dam;
flow through open channels; waves and jumps; motion of ship in
rough and turbulent sea.
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7. DIMENSIONLESS NUMBERS
C. Euler’s Number Eu:

• Eu: = (Fi / Fp)1/2 = ( A v2 / p A)1/2

= v / (p/)1/2
• It is important where the pressure gradient exits.

• Example:
• Discharge through orifice, mouthpieces and sluices pressure rise due to sudden
closure of valves
• Flow through pipes
• Water hammer in penstock.

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7. DIMENSIONLESS NUMBERS
D. Weber Number We:

• We: = (Fi / Fs)1/2 = ( A v2 /  L)1/2

= v / ( / L)1/2 (A=L2)
• It is significant where Fi and Fs are of importance than other Forces.

• Example:
• Capillary movement of water in soil
• flow of blood in vanes and arteries
• liquid atomization
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7. DIMENSIONLESS NUMBERS
E. Mach Number M:

• M = (Fi / Fe)1/2 = ( A v2 / K A)1/2

= ( A v2 / K L2)1/2 = v/ (K/)1/2 = v/ c
• K= elastic stress;
• (K/) ½ =c = velocity of sound in the fluid

• It is important in compressible flow problems at high velocities.

• Example:
• high velocity flow in pipes
• high speed projectiles and missiles
• Aerodynamics

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7. DIMENSIONLESS NUMBERS
• Summary of different DLN
S.N. Dimensionless term Relation

1 Reynolds Number, Re Fi /Fv =  A v2 / (  v/D A)

=vD/
1/2 2 /  L3 g)1/2
2 Froude’s Number, Fr ( Fi / Fg ) = ( A v 1/2
= v /(Lg)
3 Euler’s Number, Eu (Fi / Fp)1/2 = ( A v2 / p A)1/2
= v / (p/)1/2
4 Weber Number, We (Fi / Fs)1/2 = ( A v2 /  L)1/2
= v / ( / L)1/2
5 Mach Number, M (Fi / Fe)1/2= ( A v2 / K A)1/2 = ( A
v 2 / K L2)1/2 = v/ (K/)1/2 = v/ c
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8. SCALE EFFECT IN MODELS

• By model testing it is not possible to predict exact behavior of prototype.
• The behavior of prototype as predicted by two models with different scale ratio is
generally not the same.
• The difference in the prediction of behavior of prototype is called scale ratio.
• During investigation of models only two or three predominant forces are
considered and the effect of other forces are neglected.
• These forces which aren’t so important cause small but varying effect on the
model depending on scale of model.

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 BME II/II, FM: Dimensional Analysis

8. SCALE EFFECT IN MODELS

Example 1: Water is flowing through a pipe of diameter 30cm at a velocity of 4m/s.

Find the velocity of oil flowing in another pipe of diameter 10cm, if the condition of
dynamic similarity is satisfied between the two pipes. The viscosity of water and oil
is given 0.01 poise and 0.025 poise. The sp. Gr. Of oil is 0.8.
Solution: Use Reynold’s Similarity law.

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9. BUCKINGHAM'S  THEOREM
• If there are n variables (dependent & independent variables ) in a dimensionally
homogeneous equation and if these variables contains m fundamental dimensions
such as MLT then variables arranged in n-m dimensionless terms are called  -
terms.
• X1= f (x2, x3, x4, x5……xn )
• Mathematically, X1 is dependent variables and x2, x3, x4…….are
independent variables then f1(x1, x2, x3,……. xn) = 0 is dimensionally
homogeneous equation.
• And it can be expressed as f1(1, 2, 3……..n-m ) = 0

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9. BUCKINGHAM'S  THEOREM
Example 2:
• The resistance force ‘R’ experienced by a partially submerged body depends upon
the velocity V, length of the body L, viscosity of the fluid  , density of fluid 
and gravitational acceleration g , obtain a dimensionless expression for R .

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9. BUCKINGHAM'S  THEOREM
• R resistance is function of V,L,,,g.
• Mathematically, R=f (V,L,,,g)
• f1(R,V,L,,,g) = 0
• Total nos. of variables = 6 = n .
• m is obtained by writing dimension of each variables. (indep)
R= MLT-2 = F, V=LT-1, L=L, =M L-1T-1, g = LT-2,  = ML-3
• Thus Fundamental dimension of each variables is M,L,T hence m=3
• Nos. of dimensionless  terms = n-m= 6-3=3
• Thus three 1,2,3 are formed.
f1(1,2,3) = 0

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9. BUCKINGHAM'S  THEOREM
Selection of repeating variables:
• Out of R,V,L,,,g, three variables are repeating variables .
• R is dependent variables should not be taken as repeating variables.
• Out of remaining five variables:
• one should have geometric property,
• second should have flow property and
• third having fluid property.
• Hence L,V and  as repeating variables.
• 1 = La1.Vb1.C1.R
• 2 = La2.Vb2.c2.
• 3 = La3.Vb3.c3.g

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9. BUCKINGHAM'S  THEOREM
For 1 term:
• 1= La1.Vb1.C1.R
• M0L0T0= La1 (LT-1)b1(ML-3)c1.MLT-2
• Then For M, 0= c1+ 1
• For L, 0= a1+b1-3c1+1
• For T, 0 = -b1-2
b1=-2 and c1=-1 then 0=a1-2+3+1 or a1=-2
• then 1= L-2V-2-1R = R/L2V2

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9. BUCKINGHAM'S  THEOREM
For 2 term:
M0L0T0= La2(LT-1)b2(ML-3)c2 ML-1T-1
• For M, 0 = c2+1
• For L,0= a2+b2-3c2-1
• For T,0= -b2-1
• b2=-1,c2=-1, a2=-b2+3c2+1=1-3+1=-1
• 2=L-1V-1-1 = /LV

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9. BUCKINGHAM'S  THEOREM
For 3 term:
• 3= La3.Vb3.C3.g
• M0L0T0= La3 (LT-1)b3(ML-3)c3.LT-2
• Then For M, 0= c3
• For L, 0= a3+b3-3c3+1
• For T, 0 = -b3-2
• b3=-2 and a3=b3+3c3-1=2+0-1=1
then 3 =LV-20g= gL/ V2

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9. BUCKINGHAM'S  THEOREM
The equation becomes ,
• f1 (R/L2V2 , /LV , gL/ V2 ) = 0
• R/L2V2 =  (/LV , gL/ V2 )
• R = L2V2 (/LV , gL/ V2 )

• The above step has been on the postulation that reciprocal of - term
and its square root is non dimensional.
• R/L2V2 = (LV/ ,V/(Lg)0.5 )
• R = L2 V2( LV/ ,V/(Lg)0.5 )

• So, R is the function of Reynold’s number (LV/ ) and Froude’s

number (V/(Lg)1/2 ).
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9. BUCKINGHAM'S  THEOREM
Example 3:
Find the dimensionless relation for force F, on a propeller blade of a plane which
depends on the following physical properties:
• diameter, d
• forward velocity of the propeller (velocity of the plane), u
• fluid density, 
• revolutions per second, N
• fluid viscosity, 

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9. BUCKINGHAM'S  THEOREM
F =f ( d, u, , N,  )
0 =f ( F, d, u, , N,  )
n = 3 and m = 6
There are m - n = 3  groups,
So, f (1,2,3) = 0
• The choice of , u, d as the repeating variables satisfies all the dimension M,L and
T.
• Now three groups can be formed as:

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9. BUCKINGHAM'S  THEOREM

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9. BUCKINGHAM'S  THEOREM

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9. BUCKINGHAM'S  THEOREM

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