• DECEMBER 2019

Intro to Dimensional
Analysis and Similarity

Dimensional Analysis and Similarity – Lesson 1

Geometric and Dynamic Similarity
• Consider a flow over two objects, where the smaller
object represents a physical model of the larger.
• Geometric similarity refers to the requirement that
the ratio of all corresponding lengths of the two 𝐿1
objects (𝐿1/𝐿2) are the same.
‐ Another way of saying this is that the two objects are
perfectly scaled geometrically.
• Dynamic similarity is the requirement that if the two
objects are geometrically similar, then they have
similar flow patterns. That is the velocities, fluid
forces and streamlines all scale with the geometry.
• Why are geometry and dynamic similarity important?
They allow us to obtain experimental results for a
model system and then apply those results to a 𝐿2
scaled-up system.
‐ Example: In a wind tunnel, we can experimentally
determine the drag on a model car. We can then use this
result to obtain the drag for a geometrically similar full-
size car.

2
Scale Experimental Models

Scale model car in a wind tunnel

3
Dimensionless Parameters

• How can we define the model and full-size flow fields such that the flows are dynamically similar? We
can do this in two steps:
‐ Non-dimensionalize the problem by developing non-dimensional forms of the governing equations (Navier-
Stokes equations). Solutions of this form are then applicable to a geometrically similar body of any size.
‐ Dimensionless parameters will emerge from Step 1, and these can be used to ensure dynamic similarity as
follows:

Two flows are dynamically similar if all relevant dimensionless parameters are the same.

• For example, consider a dimensionless parameter ϕ that is a function of velocity, length, density and
viscosity. Then, for two similar flows (1 and 2) we would require (in addition to geometric similarity):

ϕ 𝑉1 , 𝐿1 , 𝜌1 , 𝜇1 = ϕ 𝑉2 , 𝐿2 , 𝜌2 , 𝜇2

4
Summary

• Dynamic similarity is the cornerstone of experimental fluid mechanics

• We will see how to derive non-dimensional groups in the next lesson