BMEE 204L Fluid Mechanics and Machines

PRACTICE PROBLEMS

1. A conical thrust bearing idealised as a cone of semi-angle 30ᵒ, maximum cone diameter
20 cm rests and revolves over a uniform fluid layer of thickness 0.1 cm at 600 rpm. If the
fluid has a viscosity of 1 poise, Calculate the rate of heat dissipated in the bearing.
2. A block of weight W slides down an inclined plane while lubricated by a thin film of oil,
as in Fig. The film contact area is A and its thickness is h. Assuming a linear velocity
distribution in the film, derive an expression for the “terminal” (zero-acceleration)
velocity V of the block. Find the terminal velocity of the block in Fig. if the block mass is
6 kg, A =35 cm2, θ = 15°, and the film is 1-mm-thick SAE 30 oil at 20°C. (µ = 0.29 kg/m.s)

3. Consider a soap bubble of diameter 3 mm. If the surface tension coefficient is

0.072 N/m and external pressure is 0 Pa gage, what is the bubble’s internal gage
pressure?
4. Helium has a molecular weight of 4.003. What is the weight of 2 cubic meters of helium
at 1 atmosphere and 20°C?
5. Express standard atmospheric pressure as a head, in meters of (a) ethylene glycol; (b)
mercury; (c) water; (d) air; and (e) methanol.
6. A closed tank contains 1.5 m of SAE 30 oil, 1 m of water, 20 cm of mercury, and an air
space on top, all at 20°C. If Pbottom = 60 kPa, what is the pressure in the air space?
7. In Fig. both ends of the manometer are open to the atmosphere. Estimate the specific
gravity of fluid X, if the specific gravity of oil is 0.8 .
8. The oil derrick has drilled 5 km into the ground before it strikes a crude oil reservoir.
When this happens, the pressure at the well head A becomes 25 MPa. Drilling “mud” is
to be placed into the entire length of pipe to displace the oil and balance this pressure.
What should be its density so that the pressure at A becomes zero? 𝛒oil = 880 kg/m3.

9. The 200 kg , 5m wide rectangular gate shown in figure is hinged at B and leans against
the floor making an angle of 45 0 to the horizontal. The gate is to be opened from its
lower edge by applying normal force at its center. Determine the minimum force F,
required to open the water gate.

10. An iceberg (specific gravity 0.917) floats in the ocean (specific gravity 1.025). What
percent of the volume of the iceberg is under water?