Guided Problem Solving - 7

AM2530 Foundations of Fluid Mechanics

1. The boundary-layer thickness, δ, on a smooth flat plate in an incompressible flow without pressure gradi-
ents depends on the freestream speed, U , the fluid density, ρ, the fluid viscosity, µ, and the distance from
the leading edge of the plate, x. Express these variables in dimensionless form.
2. The sketch shows an air jet discharging vertically. Experiments show that a ball placed in the jet is
suspended in a stable position. The equilibrium height of the ball in the jet is found to depend on D,
d, V , ρ, µ, and W , where W is the weight of the ball. Dimensional analysis is suggested to correlate
experimental data. Find the Π parameters that characterize this phenomenon.

Figure 1

3. The pressure rise, ∆p, of a liquid flowing steadily through a centrifugal pump depends on pump diameter
D, angular speed of the rotor ω, volume flow rate Q, and density ρ. The table gives data for the prototype
and for a geometrically similar model pump. For conditions corresponding to dynamic similarity between
the model and prototype pumps, calculate the missing values in the table.

Figure 2

1
4. A 81 -scale model of a tractor-trailer rig is tested in a pressurized wind tunnel. The rig width, height,
and length are W = 0.305 m, H = 0.476 m, and L = 2.48 m, respectively. At wind speed V = 75.0
m/s, the model drag force is FD = 128 N . (Air density in the tunnel is ρ = 3.23 kg/m3 .) Calculate the
aerodynamic drag coefficient for the model. Compare the Reynolds numbers for the model test and for
the prototype vehicle at 24.6 m/s. Calculate the aerodynamic drag force on the prototype vehicle at a
road speed of 24.6 m/s. (Air density ρair = 1.23 kg/m3 .)
5. If a tumbling card is allowed to fall freely in air, it is observed to rotate at a constant frequency ω as it
falls. Assuming that this frequency depends upon the card length s, card width c, card mass per unit
area ∆, air density ρ, air viscosity µ and gravity g.
(a) Define a dimensionless tumbling frequency and determine the dimensionless groups upon which it
depends.
(b) If the viscosity µ and card length s are unimportant, determine how the results of (a) are affected.

Figure 3