1

Tutorial 10: Dimensional analysis, Course

EM2102 Fluid Mechanics 1
Prob. 1 If uniform flow in a horizontal pipe is
laminar, the pressure drop ∆p in a length L
does not depend on the mass density ρ of the
fluid. Since the particles of the fluid are not
accelerated, using this fact, and the condition
that ∆p is proportional to L, derive the most
general form of a dimensionally
homogeneous equation for ∆p.
Given: The pressure drop ∆p is a function of
length L and diameter D of the pipe, velocity
 2

v of fluid in the pipe and viscosity µ of the fluid

only, as it does not affect by density ρ of the
fluid.

Required: To develop a relationship by

dimensional analysis.
Solution: We can write, ∆p = f ( L, D, v, µ)
Or, ∆p = K × La × Db × vc × µd (1)
Where K is a dimensionless constant, generally
determined experimentally. This equation must
be dimensionally homogeneous.
 3

The summation exponents of each of the

quantities must be the same on each side of the
equation,
Left hand side (LHS) of the equation (1), we
F m g
know pressure, Δp = =
A A

So, the dimension of pressure drop in MLT

system,
 mg   M L T −2

Δp = = = M L T  = M L T 
(1− 2) −2 −1 −2

A L 
2

LHS: [∆p] = [ M1 L-1 T-2 ]

 4

Right hand side (RHS) of the equation (1):

Dimension of pipe length,
0 1 0
[L]=[M L T ]
Dimension of pipe diameter,
[ D ] = [ L ] = [ M0 L1 T0 ]
distance
We know velocity, v=
time

[ v ] = [ L1 T-1 ] = [ M0 L1 T-1 ]
 5

Dimension of dynamic viscosity, µ

We know, viscous shear stress is directly
proportional to velocity gradient
v v
 Or,  =
y y
Where, µ = dynamic viscosity,  = Shear stress
v
and = Velocity grdient
y
V D
Total shear stress,  =  Or,  =
D V
 6

1 F  1
Or, μ  = τ D  =  D 
V  A  L T 
−1

Or, μ   F  1
=  FL
=  L  (1− 2)
 L T
−1 1

 L  L T 
2 −1

Or, μ  =  FL L T 
-1 -1 1
Or, [ µ ] = [ M1 L-1 T-1 ]
(Dimension  can be written from unit (kg/m.s) of dynamic
viscosity in MLT system as, as [M1L-1T-1)]. Similarly, in FLT
system as [F1 L-2 T1)])

Therefore from eqn. (1),

 7

∆p = K × La × Db × vc × µd can be written as
[ M1 L-1 T-2 ] = [ M0 L1 T0 ]a × [ M0 L1 T0 ]b
0 1 -1 c 1 -1 -1 d
× [M L T ] × [ M L T ]
Or, [ M1 L-1 T-2 ] =[ La ] × [ Lb] × [ Lc T-c] ×
[Md L-d T-d]
Equating exponents of M, L and T on both sides,
respectively, we obtain, according to the PDH
(principle of dimensional homogeneity),

For M, 1= d Or, d = 1 (2)

 8

For L, -1=a+b+c-d (3)

For T, - 2 = - c - d Or, c = - d + 2 (4)
Or, c = - 1 + 2 (using Eqn. 2)
Or, c= 1
From Eqn. (3),
a = - 1 - b - c + d = - 1 - b -1 +1
(Substituting, c = 1 and d = 1)
Or, a = - 1 - b Or, b = - (1 + a)
 9

So, we have now, b = - (1 + a), c = 1 and

d = 1 ( substituting in Eqn. 1)
Therefore, ∆p = K × L × D × v × µ
a b c d
(1)
Or, ∆p = K × La × D-(1+a) × v1 × µ1
Or, ∆p = K × (La × D-a) × D-1 v1 µ1
a
 L vμ
Then, Δp= K ×   ×
D D
K and a are determined by experiment, if a = 1
 10

 L vμ
Then, p = K ×   ×
D D
a
 L vμ
We have, p = K    
D D
Here K and a are unknown constants and
determined experimentally
 L v μ
Or, p = f  , 
D D 

 L v μ
Or, p =   , 
D D 
 11

Prob. 2 The height h of a tidal wave in lake

depends on the average depth D and the length
L of the lake, the specific weight γ of water and
the shearing stress Ƭ on the water. Derive the
most general form of a dimensionally
homogeneous equation for the height of the tidal
wave.
Given: The pressure drop h is a function of
average depth, D and length L of the lake, the
specific weight γ of water and the shearing
stress Ƭ on the water.
 12

Required: To develop a relationship by

dimensional analysis.
Solution: We can write pressure drop,
h = f (D, L, γ, Ƭ)

Or, h = K × Da × Lb × γc × Ƭd (1)
Where K is a dimensionless constant, generally
determined experimentally. This equation must
be dimensionally homogeneous. The
exponents of each of the quantities must be the
same on each side of the equation,
 13

LHS: Dimension of the height of the tidal wave,

h
1 0 1 0
= [ h ] = [ L ] =[ M L T ]
RHS:
Dimension of depth, [ D ] = [ L ] = [ M0 L1 T0 ]
0 1 0
Dimension of length, [ L ] = [ M L T ]
We know of specific weight,
 14

weight 𝑊
γ=  =  
volume 𝑉

Dimension, [ γ ] = [ W L ] = [ m g L ]
-3 -3

Or, [ γ ] = [ M1 L1 T-2 L-3 ] = [ M L-2 T-2 ]

Or, [ γ ] = [ M L T ] 1 -2 -2

F mg
Shearing stress, Ƭ= =
A A

Dimension of shearing stress,

[ Ƭ ] = [ M L T-2 ] [ L-2 ]
Or, [ Ƭ ] = [ M L T ]
1 -1 -2
 15

Therefore eqn. (1),

h = K × Da × Lb × γc × τd can be written as,
0 1 0 0 1 0 a 0 1 0 b
[M L T ] =[M L T ] ×[M L T ]
× [ M L-2 T-2 ]c × [ M1 L-1 T-2 ]d
Or, [ M 0 L1 T 0 ] = [La] [ Lb] ×
c -2c -2c d -d -2d
[M L T ]×[M L T ]
Equating exponents of M, L and T on both sides,
respectively, we obtain according to the PDH
 16

For M, 0=c+d Or, c = - d (2)

For L, 1 = a + b - 2c - d (3)
For T, 0 = - 2c - 2d Or, c = - d (4)
Substituting the value of c in Eqn. (3), we
have
1 = a + b - 2 × (- d) - d
Or, 1 = a + b + 2d - d = a + b + d
Or, 1 = a + b + d Or, a = (1 - b – d)
 17

So, we have now, a = (1 - b – d), c = - d

Therefore, from Eqn. (1), we have
h = K ×D(1-b-d) × Lb ×γ-d × Ƭd (1)
Or, h = K × (D1 × D-b × D-d) ×
L × γ ×Ƭ
b -d d

d
L  τ 
b

Or, 
h = K × D   ×
1

D  γ D
 18

d
L  τ 
b
Or, 
h = K× D   ×  
D  γ D

Here K, b and d are unknown constants and

determined experimentally
L τ
Or, h =  D f ( , )
D γ D
L τ
Or, h = D ϕ  ( ,   )
D γ D
 19

Prob. 3 The frequency n of any natural mode of

vibration of an elastic structure, in a class of
geometrically similar structure, depends on a
length L that specify the size of the structure the
modulus of elasticity E and the mass density ρ
of the material. How does n vary with (a) L? (b)
With E? (c ) With ρ?

Given: The frequency n is a function of length

L of the structure, modulus of elasticity E and
mass density ρ.
 20

Required: To develop a relationship by

dimensional analysis.
Solution: We can write, frequency of any
vibration
n = f ( L, E, ρ )
Or, n = K × La × Eb × ρc (1)
Where K is a dimensionless constant, generally
determined experimentally. This equation must
be dimensionally homogeneous. The
exponents of each of the quantities must be the
same on each side of the equation,
 21

LHS: We know dimension of the frequency,

(n = 1/time)
-1 0 0 -1
Or, [ n] = [ T ] = [ M L T ]
RHS: Dimension of pipe length,
0 1 0
[L]=[M L T ]
Dimension of modulus of elasticity,
(E = force/area),
[ E ] = [ F/A) ] = [mg/A] = [M LT-2/L2]
Or, [ E ] = [M LT-2/L2] = [M LT-2L-2]=[ M1 L-1 T-2]
 22

Dimension of mass density,

[ ρ ] = [ M1 L-3 ] = [ M1 L-3 T 0 ]
Therefore, from eqn. (1),
n = K × La × Eb × ρc
Or, [ M0 L0 T-1 ] = [ M0 L1 T0 ]a × [ M1 L-1 T-2 ]b ×
[ M L-3 T0 ]c
Or, [M0 L0 T-1] = [La ] × [Mb L-b T-2b] × [Mc L-3c]
Equating exponents of M, L and T on both sides,
respectively, we obtain according to the PDH
 23

For M, 0=b+c Or, b=-c (2)

For L, 0 = a - b - 3c = a - ( b + c) - 2c
Or, 0 = a - (0) - 2c = a - 2c Or, a = 2c (3)
For T, - 1 = - 2b Or, b=½ (4)
Substituting the value of b (Eqn.4) in
Eqn. (2), we have,
c=-b Or, c = - 1/2
Substituting the value of c in Eqn. (3), we
have
 24

a = 2c Or, a = 2 × (- 1/2) = - 1
So, we have now, a = -1, b = 1/2,
c = - 1/2
Therefore from eqn. (1),
n =K×L ×E ×ρ
-1 ½ (-1/2)
(1)
1
−
1
1 E
Or, n = K L E 
−1 2 2
=K  
L 
 25

E
Or, n =  (remove = sign)
L 
Therefore, (a) n =  E , (b) (remove equal = sign)

1 1
n= (remove = sign) and ( c) n =
L 
 26

Prob. 4 The weight of a drop of liquid rise in a

capillary tube depends on the diameter of the
tube D, specific weight of the liquid γ and the
surface tension ∂ of the liquid. Derive the most
general form of a dimensionally
homogeneous equation for the weight of the
liquid drop.

Given: The weight W of a drop of liquid rise

in a capillary tube is a function of diameter D,
specific weight of the liquid γ and the surface
tension ϭ of the liquid.
 27

Required: To develop a relationship by

dimensional analysis.
Solution: We can write, w = f ( D, γ,  )
Or, W = K × Da × γb × c (1)
Where K is a dimensionless constant, generally
determined experimentally. This equation must
be dimensionally homogeneous. The
exponents of each of the quantities must be the
same on each side of the equation,
 28

LHS: We know dimension of the weight,

W = [ W ] = [ m g ] = [ M1 L1 T-2 ]
LHS: Dimension of diameter of tube,
0 1 0
[D]=[L]=[M L T ]
Dimension of specific weight of liquid, γ,
[ γ ] = [ W/V) ] =[m g L-3] = [ M L1 T-2 L-3]
Or, [ γ ] = [ M L T ]
-2 -2
 29

Dimension of surface tension  = (Force/length),

Or, [ ] = [Force/length] = [mg/length]

Or, [ ] = [ M1 L1 T-2 L-1] = [ M1 L0 T-2 ]
Therefore from eqn. (1),
W = K × Da × γb × ϭc (1)
Or, [ M1 L1 T-2 ] = [ M0 L1 T0 ]a × [ M L-1 T-2 ]b
× [ M1 L0 T-2 ]c
1 1 -2 a b -2b -2b
Or, [ M L T ] = [L ] × [ M L T ]×
 30

c -2c
[M T ]
Equating exponents of M, L and T on both
sides, respectively, we obtain according to the
PDH
For M, 1= b+c Or, b = 1 - c (2)
For L, 1 = a - 2b Or, a = 1+ 2b (3)
Substituting the value of b in Eqn. (3), we
have
Or, a = 1+ 2 × (1 - c) = 1 + 2 -2c
Or, a = 3 - 2c (4)
 31

For T, - 2 = - 2b - 2c Or, 2b = 2 - 2c
Or, b = 1 – c (5)
So, we have now, a = 3 - 2c, b = 1 - c
Therefore, from eqn. (1),
W=K×D ×γ ×ϭa b c

Or, W = K × D (3-2c)
×γ (1-c)
×ϭ
c

Or, W = K × (D3 × D-2c)× (γ1 × γ-c) × ϭc

 32

− c
γ D2
Or, W = K × (D3  γ) × ( )
σ
− c
γ D2
Or, W = D3  γ K ( )
σ

Here K and - c are unknown constants and

determined experimentally.

 γD 
2
γ D 
2

W = D γf  = D γ  
3 3

 σ   σ 
Where f or ҩ is an unknown function.
 33

Prob. 5 The frequency of shedding eddies

(oscillating flow-exit of conduit) depends on the
diameter D of the conduit or pipe, average
velocity v of flow, dynamic viscosity µ and mass
density ρ of the fluid. Derive the most general
form of a dimensionally homogeneous equation
for the frequency of shedding eddies
(oscillating flow).
Given: The frequency n is a function of
diameter D of pipe, average velocity v of flow,
dynamic viscosity µ and mass density ρ of the
fluid.
 34

Required: To develop a relationship by

dimensional analysis.
Solution: We can write, n = f ( D,v, µ, ρ )
Or, n = K × D × v × µ × ρ
a b c d
(1)
Where K is a dimensionless constant, generally
determined experimentally. This equation must
be dimensionally homogeneous. The
exponents of each of the quantities must be the
same on each side of the equation,

LHS: We know dimension of the frequency,

 35

-1 0 0 -1
n = [ n] = [ T ] = [ M L T ]
RHS: Dimension of pipe dimeter
[D ] = [ L ] = [ M0 L1 T0 ]
Dimension of velocity, [ v ] = [ L1 T-1 ]
0 1 -1
Or. [ v ] = [ M L T ]
Dimension of dynamic viscosity, µ
We know, viscous shear stress is directly
proportional to velocity gradient
 36

v v
 xy  Or,  xy = 
y y
Where, µ = dynamic viscosity,  xy = Shear stress
v
and = Velocity grdient
y
𝑉 𝜏 𝐷
Total shear stress, 𝜏 = 𝜇  Or, 𝜇 =  
𝐷 𝑉
1 F 1
Or, [μ] = [τ D] × = [  D] ×
[ V ] A [ L T −1 ]
F 1 1−2 ] [ −1 1 ]
Or, [μ] = [ 2  L] × [  −1 ] = [FL   L  T
L L T
 37

-2 1
Or, [ µ ] = [ F L T ]
1 -1 -1
Or, [ µ ] = [ M L T ] (from unit kg/m.s)
Dimension of mass density,
[ ρ ] = [ M1 L-3 ] = [ M1 L-3 T0 ]
Therefore, from equation (1),
n =K×D ×v ×µ ×ρ
a b c d
(1)
Or, [ M0 L0 T-1 ] = [ M0 L1 T0 ]a ×
 38

0 1 -1 b 1 -1 -1 c
[M L T ] ×[M L T ] ×
1 -3 0 d
[M L T ]

Or, [ M0 L0 T-1 ] = [ La ] × [ Lb T-b ] ×

[ Mc L-c T-c ] × [ Md L-3d ]
Equating exponents of M, L and T on both
sides, respectively, we obtain according to the
PDH (principle of dimensional homogeneity)
For M, 0=c+d Or, c = - d (2)
 39

For L, 0 = a + b - c - 3d (3)
For T, - 1 = - b - c Or, b = (1 - c) (4)
Or, b = (1 + d) ( since c = - d)
Substituting the values of b and c, in Eqn., (3),
0 = a + (1 + d) - (- d) - 3d
Or, 0 = a + 1 + d + d - 3d = a + 1 - d
Or, 0 = a + 1 - d Or, a = d -1
So, we have now, a = d - 1
 40

b=1+d
c=-d
Therefore, from Eqn. (1),
n = K × Da × vb × µc × ρd
Or, n = K × D (d-1)
×v (1+d)
×µ ×ρ
-d d

Or, n = K × (D × D ) × (v × v ) × µ × ρ
d -1 1 d -d d

V   V D 
d

Or, n = K    
 D   
 41

V   V D 
d

n =  K 
Or, 
 D   
K and d are determined experimentally
 V   V D   V
Or, n =   f   Or, n =   f ( N R )
 D     D
 V D 
Since, Reynold’s Number, NR =  
  
 42

Prob. 6 Assume that the velocity v of

progressive wave in a uniform stretched string
depends on the tension T in the string and mass
m per unit length and that is independent of the
amplitude of the wavelength ʎ. Can it then be
deduced by dimensional analysis that v does
depend on the wavelength? How does v vary
with T? With m?

Given: The velocity v of the wave is a function

of tension T, mass m per unit length and the
amplitude of the wavelength ʎ.
 43

Required: To develop a relationship by

dimensional analysis.
Solution: We can write, v = f ( T, m, ʎ )
Or, v = K × T × m × ʎ
a b c
(1)
Where K is a dimensionless constant, generally
determined experimentally. This equation must
be dimensionally homogeneous. The
exponents of each of the quantities must be the
same on each side of the equation,
We know dimension of velocity,
 44

-1 0 1 -1
v = [ v] = [ L T ] = [ M L T ]
Dimension of tension,
[T ] = [T ] = [ M1 L1 T-2 ]
Dimension of mass per unit length, m,
-1 1 -1 0
[ m ] = [M L ] = [ M L T ]
Dimension of wave length, ʎ ,
[ ʎ ] = [ L ] = [ M0 L 1 T0 ]
 45

Therefore from eqn. (1),

v=K×T ×m ×ʎ
a b c
(1)
Equating exponents of M, L and T on both
sides, respectively, we obtain according to
the PDH
0 1 -1 1 1 -2 a
Or, [M L T ] = [M L T ]
1 -1 0 b 0 1 0 c
×[M L T ] ×[M L T ]
 46

0 1 -1 a a -2a
Or, [ M L T ] = [M L T ]×
b -b c
[ M L ] ×[ L ]
Equating exponents of M, L and T on both sides,
respectively, we obtain according to the PDH
For M, 0 = a + b Or, b = - a (2)
For L, 1=a-b+c (3)
For T, - 1 = - 2a Or, a = 1/2 (4)
So, from Eqn. (2) , b = - 1/2
 47

Substituting the values a and b in Eqn.

(3), we have,
1 = 1/2 - (-1 /2) + c
Or, 1 = 1/2 + 1/2 + c Or, 1 = 1 + c
Or, C = 1 - 1 = 0 Or, c = 0
So, we have now, a = 1/2, b = - 1/2, c = 0
Therefore from eqn. (1),
v=K×T ×m ×ʎa b c
 48

(1/2) (-½) 0
Or, v = K × T ×m ×ʎ (1)
Or,  T
V =K  
m

So, v does not depend on wave length.

But v is directly proportional to the square
root of T and inversely proportion to the
square root of m.

Or, v = f (T/m)
 49

Prob. 7 The power loss P in a orifice

depends on the diameter of the orifice D,
rate flow of the liquid Q and the dynamic
viscosity µ and mass density ρ of the
liquid. Derive the most general form of a
dimensionally homogeneous equation
for the power loss in the orifice.

Given: The power loss P is a function of

orifice diameter D, rate flow of the liquid
 50

Q and the dynamic viscosity µ and mass

density ρ of the liquid.
Required: To develop a relationship by
dimensional analysis.
Solution: We can write, P = f (D, Q, µ, ρ)
Or, P = K × Da × Qb × µc × ρd (1)
Where K is a dimensionless constant, generally
determined experimentally. This equation must
be dimensionally homogeneous. The
 51

exponents of each of the quantities must be the

same on each side of the equation,
LHS: We know dimension of power,

work done, W F×L mg L

P=  =  = 
time ,t t t

-2 -1 2 -3
Or, [P] = [ M L T L T ] = [ M L T ]
Dimension of diameter,
 52

0 1 0
[D]=[L]=[M L T ]
3
Dimension of discharge (unit m /s),
[ Q ] = [ L3T-1 ] = [ M0 L3 T-1 ]
Dimension of dynamic viscosity, µ
We know, viscous shear stress is directly
proportional to velocity gradient
v v
 xy  Or,  xy = 
y y
 53

Where, µ = dynamic viscosity,

 xy = Shear stress
v
and = Velocity grdient
y
𝜏 𝐷
Total shear stress, 𝜏=𝜇  𝐷𝑉 Or, 𝜇 =
𝑉
1 F 1
Or, [μ] =  [τ D]  × = [  D]   × [
V A L T −1 ]
F 1
Or, [μ] = [ 2  L] ×
L [ L T −1 ]
 54

1−2 ] [ −1 1]
Or, [μ] = [FL   L  T

1 -2 -1
Or, [µ]=[F L T ]
Or, [ µ ] = [ M1 L-1 T-1 ] (from unit kg/m.s)
Dimension of density,
[ ρ ] = [ M L ] =[ M L T ]
-3 -3 0

Therefore, from equ. (1) ,

P = K × Da × Qb × µc × ρd (1),
 55

We can write,
2 -3 0 1 0 a 0 3 -1 b
[M L T ] = [ M L T ] × [ M L T ] ×
[ M1L-1 T-1 ]c × [ M L-3 T0 ]d
Or, [ M1 L2 T-3 ] = [ La ] × [ L3bT-b ] ×
c -c -c d -3d 0
[M L T ] × [ M L T ]
Equating exponents of M, L and T on both sides,
respectively, we obtain according to the PDH

For M, 1 = c + d, Or d =1 - c (2)
 56

For L, 2 = a + 3b - c - 3d (3)
For T, - 3 = - b - c Or, b = 3 - c (4)
Substituting the values of b and c in Eqn. (3),
Or, 2 = a + 3 × (3 - c) - c - 3 × (1 - c)
Or, 2 = a + 9 - 3c - c - 3 + 3c
Or, 2=a-c+6
Or, a = c + 2 - 6 = c - 4
 57

Or, a=c-4
So, we have a = c - 4, b = 3 - c and
d=1-c
Therefore, from eqn. (1)
P = K × D × Q ×µ × ρ
a b c d

Or, P = K × D (c - 4)
×Q (3-c)
×µ ×ρc (1-c)

Or, P = K × (Dc × D-4) × (Q3 × Q-c) × µc × (ρ1 × ρ-c)

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3
Q  ρ D μ c
Or, 𝑃 =  K  × ( )×( )
D4 Q ρ
3
Q  ρ D μ c
Or, P = ( )K × ( )
D4 Q ρ
3
Q  ρ Q ρ -c
Or, 𝑃=( )K × ( )
D4 D μ

K and - c are unknown constants and it is

determined by experiment
3
Q  ρ Q ρ
Or, P = ( )  f ( )
D4 D μ
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Solve yourself
Prob 8. Deduce an expression for Reynold’s
number by dimensional analysis (Note: NR
depends on four parameters - well known to
you all and also in tutorial).