BTME-403; FLUID MECHANICS

Tutorial Sheet # 5 (a)

Dimensional Analysis & Model Similitude

Q.1 Show that the resistance F to the motion of a sphere of diameter D moving with a
uniform velocity V through a real fluid of density ρ and viscosity µ is given by:
𝜇
𝐹 = 𝐷2 𝑉 2 𝑓 ( )
𝑉𝐷𝜌
Use this result to explain how dimensional analysis results in the simplification of
experimental data.

Q.2 The pressure drop ∆P in a pipe of diameter D and length l depends on the density ρ and
viscosity µ of the fluid flowing, mean velocity V of flow and the average height of
protuberance t. show that the pressure drop can be expressed in the form :

𝑙 𝜇 𝑡
∆𝑃 = 𝜌𝑉 2 𝑓( , , )
𝐷 𝑉𝐷𝜌 𝐷

Q.3 Show by the use of Buckingham’s Pi-theorem, that the velocity through an orifice is
given by
𝐷 𝜇 𝜎
V = √2𝑔ℎ 𝑓(𝐻 , 𝜌𝑉𝐻 , 𝜌𝑉 2 𝐻)

Q.4 The resisting force F of a supersonic plane during flight can be considered as dependent
upon the length of aircraft l, velocity V, air viscosity µ, air density ρ and bulk modulus of
air K. Express the functional relationship between these variables & the resisting force.