HE2161/MEC2404 Practise Class

Week 8-Dimensional Analysis

The drag force, F, on an ocean going semi-submersible vessel is a function of the velocity V,
fluid properties such as densities, air and water, and dynamic viscosity, air and water, gravity, g,
and characteristic length of the vessel, L.
1) Determine the ration of length scale between model and prototype if model testing was done
with the same fluids as in the prototype and gravity is constant between model and prototype.
What can be concluded ?
2) Assume it is possible for the model to be studied using the same fluids as the prototype in a
special pressurized chamber on Mars (g=3.71 m/s2) that is able to replicate the temperature and
pressure as experienced at sea level on earth. What is the ratio of velocity and length scale
between model and prototype? What is the ratio of the drag force between model and
prototype?