Khulna University of Engineering & Technology

(KUET)

Assignment on: Dimensional Analysis

Course No: ME-2113

Submitted to:

Dr. Khandkar Aftab Hossain

Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Khulna University of Engineering & Technology
(KUET)

Submitted by:

Aniruddha Roy Protya

Roll: 1805032
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Khulna University of Engineering & Technology
(KUET)

Date of submission: 27 October, 2020

Problem 1. The thrust force, F generated by a propeller is found to depend on the following
parameters: diameter D, forward velocity u, density ρ, viscosity μ and rotational speed N.
Determine the dimensionless parameters to correlate the phenomenon.

Soln :
From the statement of the problem we can write,
𝐹 = 𝑓 (𝐷, 𝑢, 𝜌, 𝜇, 𝑁)
or, 𝑓1 (𝐹, 𝐷, 𝑢, 𝜌, 𝜇, 𝑁) = 0

The dimensions of the variables (using MLT system) are:

Serial No. Variables Dimensions

1 Thrust force, F MLT-2

2 Diameter, D L

3 Forward velocity, u LT-1

4 Density, ρ ML-3

5 Viscosity, μ ML-1T-1

6 Rotational speed, N T-1

Number of variables n = 6
Number of fundamental dimension m = 3
Number of dimensionless π term (n - m) = 3

𝑓1 (𝜋1 , 𝜋2 , 𝜋3 ) = 0

Selecting D, u, ρ as the repeating variable

First π term:
𝜋1 = 𝐹 . 𝐷𝑎 . 𝑢𝑏 . 𝜌𝑐
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 = (𝑀𝐿𝑇 −2 ) . (𝐿)𝑎 . (𝐿𝑇 −1 )𝑏 . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑐

Comparing indices of M, L and T

1 + 𝑐 = 0,
1 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 – 3𝑐 = 0,
– 2– 𝑏 = 0

∴ 𝑎 = – 2,
𝑏 = – 2,
𝑐 =– 1
Substituting the values of a, b, and c
𝐹
𝜋1 =
𝑢2 𝐷 2 𝜌

Second π term:
𝜋2 = 𝜇 . 𝐷𝑎 . 𝑢𝑏 . 𝜌𝑐
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 = (𝑀𝐿−1 𝑇 −1 ) . (𝐿)𝑎 . (𝐿𝑇 −1 )𝑏 . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑐

Comparing indices of M, L and T

1 + 𝑐 = 0,
– 1 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 – 3𝑐 = 0,
– 1– 𝑏 = 0

∴ 𝑎 = – 1,
𝑏 = – 1,
𝑐 =– 1
Substituting the values of a, b and c
𝜇
𝜋2 =
𝜌𝑢𝐷

Third π term:
𝜋3 = 𝑁 . 𝐷𝑎 . 𝑢𝑏 . 𝜌𝑐
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 = (𝑇 −1 ) . (𝐿)𝑎 . (𝐿𝑇 −1 )𝑏 . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑐

Comparing indices of M, L and T

𝑐 = 0,
𝑎 + 𝑏 – 3𝑐 = 0,
– 1 – 𝑏 = 0,

∴ 𝑎 = – 1,
𝑏 = 1
Susbtituting the values of a, b and c
𝑁𝐷
𝜋3 =
𝑢

Finally, we can express the results of the dimensional analysis in the form

𝐹 𝜇 𝑁𝐷
𝑓1 ( 2 2 , , )=0
𝑢 𝐷 𝜌 𝜌𝑢𝐷 𝑢
 𝐹 𝜇 𝑁𝐷
or, = 𝑗( , )
𝑢2 𝐷 2 𝜌 𝜌𝑢𝐷 𝑢

Ans.

Problem 2. A rectangular plate of height, a and width, b is held perpendicular to the flow of a
fluid. The drag force on the plate is influenced by the dimensions a and b, the velocity u, and the
fluid properties, density ρ and viscosity μ. Obtain a correlation for the drag force in terms of
dimensionless parameters.

Soln :
From the statement of the problem we can write,
𝐹 = 𝑓 (𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑢, 𝜌, 𝜇)
or, 𝑓1 (𝐹, 𝑎, 𝑏, 𝑢, 𝜌, 𝜇) = 0

The dimensions of the variables (using MLT system) are:

Serial No. Variables Dimensions

1 Drag force, F MLT-2

2 Height, a L

3 Width, b L
4 Velocity, u LT-1

5 Density, ρ ML-3

6 Viscosity, μ ML-1T-1

Number of variables n = 6
Number of fundamental dimension m = 3

Number of dimensionless π term (n - m) = 3

𝑓1 (𝜋1 , 𝜋2 , 𝜋3 ) = 0
Selecting b, u, ρ as the repeating variables.
First π term:
𝜋1 = 𝐹 . 𝑏 𝑎 . 𝑢𝑏 . 𝜌𝑐
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 = (𝑀𝐿𝑇 −2 ) . (𝐿)𝑎 . (𝐿𝑇 −1 )𝑏 . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑐

Comparing indices of M, L and T

1 + 𝑐 = 0,
1 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 – 3𝑐 = 0,
 – 2– 𝑏 = 0
∴ 𝑎 = – 2,
𝑏 = – 2,
𝑐 =– 1
Substituting the values of a, b, and c
𝐹
𝜋1 =
𝜌𝑢2 𝑏2

Second π term:
𝜋2 = 𝑎 . 𝐷𝑎 . 𝑢𝑏 . 𝜌𝑐
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 = (𝐿) . (𝐿)𝑎 . (𝐿𝑇 −1 )𝑏 . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑐

Comparing indices of M, L and T

𝑐 = 0,
1 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 – 3𝑐 = 0,
–𝑏 = 0
∴ 𝑎 = – 1,
𝑏 = 0
Substituting the values of a, b and c
𝑎
𝜋2 =
𝑏

Third π term:
𝜋3 = 𝜇 . 𝑏 𝑎 . 𝑢𝑏 . 𝜌𝑐
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 = (𝑀𝐿−1 𝑇 −1 ) . (𝐿)𝑎 . (𝐿𝑇 −1 )𝑏 . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑐

Comparing indices of M, L and T

1 + 𝑐 = 0,
– 1 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 – 3𝑐 = 0,
– 1– 𝑏 = 0

∴ 𝑎 = – 1,
𝑏 = – 1,
𝑐 =– 1

Substituting the values of a, b and c

𝜇
𝜋3 =
𝜌𝑢𝑏

Finally, we can express the results of the dimensional analysis in the form
 𝐹 𝑎 𝜇
𝑓1 ( , , )=0
𝜌𝑢2 𝑏2 𝑏 𝜌𝑢𝑏

𝐹 𝑎 𝜇
or, = 𝑗( , )
𝜌𝑢2 𝑏 2 𝑏 𝜌𝑢𝑏
Ans.

Problem 3. In flow through a sudden contraction in a circular duct the head loss h is found to
depend on the inlet velocity u, outer diameter D, and inside diameter d and the fluid properties
density ρ and viscosity μ and gravitational acceleration, g. Determine dimensionless parameters
to correlate experimental results.

Soln :
From the statement of the problem we can write,
ℎ = 𝑓 (𝐷, 𝑢, 𝜌, 𝜇, 𝑁)
or, 𝑓1 (ℎ, 𝐷, 𝑢, 𝜌, 𝜇, 𝑁) = 0

The dimensions of the variables (using MLT system) are:

Serial No. Variables Dimensions

1 Head loss, h L

2 Outer diameter, D L

3 Inside diameter, d L
4 Inlet velocity, u LT-1

5 Density, ρ ML-3

6 Viscosity, μ ML-1T-1

7 Gravitational acceleration, g LT-2

Number of variables n = 7
Number of fundamental dimension m = 3

Number of dimensionless π terms (n - m) = 4

𝑓1 (𝜋1 , 𝜋2 , 𝜋3 , 𝜋4 ) = 0

Selecting D, u, ρ as the repeating variables.

First π term:
𝜋1 = ℎ . 𝐷𝑎 . 𝑢𝑏 . 𝜌𝑐
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 = (𝐿) . (𝐿)𝑎 . (𝐿𝑇 −1 )𝑏 . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑐
Comparing indices of M, L and T
𝑐 = 0,
1 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 – 3𝑐 = 0,
–𝑏 = 0
∴ 𝑎 = – 1,
𝑏 = 0
Substituting the values of a, b, and c
ℎ
𝜋1 =
𝐷

Second π term:
𝜋2 = 𝑑 . 𝐷𝑎 . 𝑢𝑏 . 𝜌𝑐
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 = (𝐿) . (𝐿)𝑎 . (𝐿𝑇 −1 )𝑏 . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑐

Comparing indices of M, L and T

𝑐 = 0,
1 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 – 3𝑐 = 0,
–𝑏 = 0
∴ 𝑎 = – 1,
𝑏 = 0
Substituting the values of a, b, and c
𝑑
𝜋2 =
𝐷

Third π term:
𝜋3 = 𝜇 . 𝐷𝑎 . 𝑢𝑏 . 𝜌𝑐
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 = (𝑀𝐿−1 𝑇 −1 ) . (𝐿)𝑎 . (𝐿𝑇 −1 )𝑏 . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑐

Comparing indices of M, L and T

1 + 𝑐 = 0,
– 1 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 – 3𝑐 = 0,
– 1– 𝑏 = 0
∴ 𝑎 = – 1,
𝑏 = – 1,
𝑐 =– 1

Substituting the values of a, b and c

𝜇
𝜋3 =
𝜌𝑢𝐷
Fourth π term:
𝜋4 = 𝑔 . 𝐷𝑎 . 𝑢𝑏 . 𝜌𝑐
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 = (𝐿𝑇 −2 ) . (𝐿)𝑎 . (𝐿𝑇 −1 )𝑏 . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑐

Comparing indices of M, L and T

𝑐 = 0,
1 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 – 3𝑐 = 0,
– 2– 𝑏 = 0

∴ 𝑎 = 1,
𝑏 = – 2,

Substituting the values of a, b and c

𝑔𝐷
𝜋4 =
𝑢2

Finally, we can express the results of the dimensional analysis in the form

ℎ 𝑑 𝜇 𝑔𝐷
𝑓1 ( , , , )=0
𝐷 𝐷 𝜌𝑢𝐷 𝑢2

ℎ 𝑑 𝜇 𝑔𝐷
or, =𝑓 ( , , )
𝐷 𝐷 𝜌𝑢𝐷 𝑢2
Ans.

Problem 4. The volume flow rate, Q over a V-notch depends on fluid properties namely density
ρ, kinematic viscosity ν, and surface tension σ. It is also influenced by the angle of the notch,
head of fluid over the vertex, and acceleration due to gravity. Determine the dimensionless
parameters which can correlate the variables .

Soln :
From the statement of the problem we can write,
𝑄 = 𝑓 ( 𝜌, 𝜈, 𝜎, ℎ, 𝑔, 𝜃)
or, 𝑓1 (𝑄, 𝜌, 𝜈, 𝜎, ℎ, 𝑔, 𝜃) = 0

The dimensions of the variables (using MLT system) are:

Serial No. Variables Dimensions

1 Flow rate, Q L3T-1

2 Density, ρ ML-3
 3 Kinematic viscosity, ν L2 T-1
4 Surface tension, σ MT-2

5 Head of fluid over the vertex, h L

6 Acceleration due to gravity, g LT-2

7 Angle of the notch, θ dimensionless

Number of variables n = 6 and the angle of notch θ is already dimensionless

Number of fundamental dimension m = 3

Number of dimensionless π term (n - m) = 3

𝑓1 (𝜋1 , 𝜋2 , 𝜋3 , 𝜃) = 0

Selecting h, g, ρ as the repeating variable

First π term:
𝜋1 = 𝑄 . ℎ𝑎 . 𝑔𝑏 . 𝜌𝑐
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 = (𝐿3 𝑇 −1 ) . (𝐿)𝑎 . (𝐿𝑇 −2 )𝑏 . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑐

Comparing indices of M, L and T

𝑐 = 0,
3 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 – 3𝑐 = 0,
– 1 – 2𝑏 = 0

5
∴ 𝑎 =– ,
2
1
𝑏 =–
2

Substituting the values of a, b, and c

𝑄
𝜋1 =
𝑔1⁄2 ℎ5⁄2

Second π term:
𝜋2 = 𝜈 . ℎ𝑎 . 𝑔𝑏 . 𝜌𝑐
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 = (𝐿2 𝑇 −1 ) . (𝐿)𝑎 . (𝐿𝑇 −2 )𝑏 . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑐

Comparing indices of M, L and T

𝑐 = 0,
 2 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 – 3𝑐 = 0,
– 1 – 2𝑏 = 0

∴ 𝑎 = – 3⁄2,
𝑏 = – 1⁄2,

Substituting the values of a, b and c

𝜈
𝜋2 =
𝑔1⁄2 ℎ3⁄2

Third π term:
𝜋3 = 𝜎. ℎ𝑎 . 𝑔𝑏 . 𝜌𝑐
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 = (𝑀𝑇 −2 ) . (𝐿)𝑎 . (𝐿𝑇 −2 )𝑏 . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑐

Comparing indices of M, L and T

1 + 𝑐 = 0,
𝑎 + 𝑏 – 3𝑐 = 0,
– 2 – 2𝑏 = 0,

∴ 𝑎 = – 2,
𝑏 = −1
𝑐 = −1
Susbtituting the values of a, b and c
𝜎
𝜋3 =
𝜌𝑔ℎ2

Finally, we can express the results of the dimensional analysis in the form

𝑄 𝜈 𝜎
𝑓1 ( , , , 𝜃) = 0
𝑔 1⁄2 ℎ 5⁄2 𝑔1⁄2 ℎ3⁄2 𝜌𝑔ℎ2

𝑄 𝜈 𝜎
or, = 𝑗( , , 𝜃)
𝑔1⁄2 ℎ5⁄2 𝑔1⁄2 ℎ3⁄2 𝜌𝑔ℎ2
Ans.

Problem 5. The power developed by hydraulic machines is found to depend on the head h, flow
rate Q, density ρ, speed N, runner diameter D, and acceleration due to gravity, g. Obtain
suitable dimensionless parameters to correlate experimental results.
Soln:
From the statement of the problem we can write,

𝑃 = 𝑓 ( ℎ , 𝑄, 𝜌, 𝑁, 𝐷, 𝑔)
or, 𝑓1 (𝑃 , ℎ , 𝑄, 𝜌, 𝑁, 𝐷, 𝑔) = 0

The dimensions of the variables (using MLT system) are:

Serial No. Variables Dimensions

1 Power, P ML2T-3

2 Head, h L

3 Flow rate, 𝑄 L3T-1

4 Density, ρ ML-3

5 Speed, N T-1

6 Runner diameter, D L
7 Acceleration due to gravity, g LT-2

Number of variables n = 7
Number of fundamental dimension m = 3
Number of dimensionless π terms (n - m) = 4

𝑓1 (𝜋1 , 𝜋2 , 𝜋3 , 𝜋4 ) = 0

Selecting D, g, ρ as the repeating variables

First π term:

𝜋1 = 𝑃 . 𝐷𝑎 . 𝑔𝑏 . 𝜌𝑐
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 = (𝑀𝐿2 𝑇 −3 ) . (𝐿)𝑎 . (𝐿𝑇 −2 )𝑏 . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑐

Comparing indices of M, L and T

1 + 𝑐 = 0,
2 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 – 3𝑐 = 0,
– 3 – 2𝑏 = 0

∴ 𝑎 = – 7/2,
𝑏 = – 3/2,
𝑐 = –1
Substituting the values of a, b, and c
𝑃
𝜋1 =
𝜌𝐷7/2 𝑔3/2

Second π term:

𝜋2 = ℎ . 𝐷𝑎 . 𝑔𝑏 . 𝜌𝑐
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 = (𝐿) . (𝐿)𝑎 . (𝐿𝑇 −2 )𝑏 . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑐

Comparing indices of M, L and T

𝑐 = 0,
1 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 – 3𝑐 = 0,
– 2𝑏 = 0

∴ 𝑎 = – 1,
𝑏 = 0,
𝑐 = 0

Substituting the values of a, b and c

ℎ
𝜋2 =
𝐷

Third π term:

𝜋3 = 𝑄 . 𝐷𝑎 . 𝑔𝑏 . 𝜌𝑐
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 = (𝐿3 𝑇 −1 ) . (𝐿)𝑎 . (𝐿𝑇 −2 )𝑏 . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑐

Comparing indices of M, L and T

𝑐 = 0,
3 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 – 3𝑐 = 0,
– 1 – 2𝑏 = 0,
∴ 𝑎 = – 5/2,
𝑏 = −1/2
Susbtituting the values of a, b and c
𝑄
𝜋3 =
𝐷5/2 𝑔1/2

Fourth π term:

𝜋4 = 𝑁 . 𝐷𝑎 . 𝑔𝑏 . 𝜌𝑐
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 = (𝑇 −1 ) . (𝐿)𝑎 . (𝐿𝑇 −2 )𝑏 . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑐

Comparing indices of M, L and T

𝑐 = 0,
𝑎 + 𝑏 – 3𝑐 = 0,
– 1 – 2𝑏 = 0,
∴ 𝑎 = 1/2,
𝑏 = −1/2
Susbtituting the values of a, b and c
𝑁𝐷1/2
𝜋4 =
𝑔1/2

Finally, we can express the results of the dimensional analysis in the form

𝑃 ℎ 𝑄 𝑁𝐷1/2
𝑓1 ( , , , )=0
𝜌𝐷7/2 𝑔3/2 𝐷 𝐷5/2 𝑔1/2 𝑔1/2

𝑃 ℎ 𝑄 𝑁𝐷1/2
or, = 𝑗( , , )
𝜌𝐷7/2 𝑔3/2 𝐷 𝐷5/2 𝑔1/2 𝑔1/2

Ans.

Problem 6. Convective heat transfer coefficient in free convection over a surface is found to be
influenced by the density ρ , viscosity μ , thermal conductivity k, coefficient of cubical expansion
β, temperature difference Δ T, gravitational acceleration g, specific heat Cp , the height of
surface h and the flow velocity u. Using dimensional analysis, determine the dimensionless
parameters that will correlate the phenomenon.
Soln:
From the statement of the problem we can write,

𝐻 = 𝑓 ( 𝜌, 𝜇, 𝑘, 𝛽, ∆𝑇, 𝑔, 𝐶𝑝 , ℎ, 𝑢)
or, 𝑓1 (𝐻, 𝜌, 𝜇, 𝑘, 𝛽, ∆𝑇, 𝑔, 𝐶𝑝 , ℎ, 𝑢) = 0
The dimensions of the variables (using MLTθ system) are:

Serial No. Variables Dimensions

1 Convective heat transfer coefficient, 𝐻 MT-3θ

2 Density, ρ ML-3

3 Viscosity, μ ML-1T-1

4 Thermal conductivity, k MLT-3θ

5 Coefficient of cubical expansion, 𝛽 θ-1

6 Temperature difference, ∆𝑇 θ

7 Gravitational acceleration, g LT-2

8 Specific heat, 𝐶𝑝 L2T-2θ-1

9 Height of surface, h L

10 Flow velocity, u LT-1

Number of variables n = 10
Number of fundamental dimension m = 4
Number of dimensionless π terms (n - m) = 6

𝑓1 (𝜋1 , 𝜋2 , 𝜋3 , 𝜋4 , 𝜋5 , 𝜋6 ) = 0

Selecting ρ, μ, h and k as the repeating variables.

First π term:

𝜋1 = 𝐻 . 𝜌𝑎 . 𝜇𝑏 . ℎ𝑐 . 𝑘 𝑑
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 𝜃 0 = (𝑀𝑇 −2 𝜃) . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑎 . (𝑀𝐿−1 𝑇 −1 )𝑏 . (𝐿)𝑐 . (𝑀𝐿𝑇 −3 𝜃)𝑑
Comparing indices of M, L ,T and θ,

1 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑑 = 0,
−3𝑎 − 𝑏 + 𝑐 + 𝑑 = 0,
– 2 – 𝑏 − 3𝑑 = 0
1+𝑑 = 0
∴ 𝑎 = 0,
𝑏 = 0,
 𝑐 = 1,
𝑑 =– 1

∴ Substituting the values of a, b, c and d

𝐻ℎ
𝜋1 =
𝑘

Second π term:

𝜋2 = 𝛽 . 𝜌𝑎 . 𝜇𝑏 . ℎ𝑐 . 𝑘 𝑑
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 𝜃 0 = (𝜃 −1 ) . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑎 . (𝑀𝐿−1 𝑇 −1 )𝑏 . (𝐿)𝑐 . (𝑀𝐿𝑇 −3 𝜃)𝑑

Comparing indices of M, L ,T and θ,

𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑑 = 0,
– 3 𝑎 − 𝑏 + 𝑐 + 𝑑 = 0,
– 𝑏 − 3𝑑 = 0
−1 + 𝑑 = 0
∴ 𝑎 = – 2,
𝑏 = 3,
𝑐 = – 2,
𝑑 =– 1
Substituting the values of a, b, c and d,

𝛽𝜇3
𝜋2 = 2 2
𝜌 ℎ 𝑘
Third π term:

𝜋3 = ∆𝑇 . 𝜌𝑎 . 𝜇𝑏 . ℎ𝑐 . 𝑘 𝑑
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 𝜃 0 = (𝜃) . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑎 . (𝑀𝐿−1 𝑇 −1 )𝑏 . (𝐿)𝑐 . (𝑀𝐿𝑇 −3 𝜃)𝑑

Comparing indices of M, L ,T and θ,

𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑑 = 0,
– 3𝑎 – 𝑏 + 𝑐 + 𝑑 = 0,
 𝑏 – 3𝑑 = 0,
1– 𝑑 = 0
𝑎 = 2,
𝑏 = – 3,
𝑐 = 2,
𝑑 = 1
∴ Substituting the values of a, b, c and d
∆𝑇𝜌2 ℎ2 𝑘
𝜋3 =
𝜇3

Fourth π term:

𝜋4 = 𝑔 . 𝜌𝑎 . 𝜇𝑏 . ℎ𝑐 . 𝑘 𝑑
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 𝜃 0 = (𝐿𝑇 −2 ) . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑎 . (𝑀𝐿−1 𝑇 −1 )𝑏 . (𝐿)𝑐 . (𝑀𝐿𝑇 −3 𝜃)𝑑

Comparing indices of M, L ,T and θ,

𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑑 = 0,
1 – 3𝑎 – 𝑏 + 𝑐 + 𝑑 = 0,
– 2 – 𝑏 – 3𝑑 = 0,
𝑑 = 0
∴ 𝑎 = 2,
𝑏 = – 2,
𝑐 = 3,
𝑑 = 0
∴ Substituting the values of a, b, c and d
𝑔𝜌2 ℎ3
𝜋4 =
𝜇2

Fifth π term:

𝜋5 = 𝐶𝑝 . 𝜌𝑎 . 𝜇𝑏 . ℎ𝑐 . 𝑘 𝑑
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 𝜃 0 = (𝐿2 𝑇 −2 𝜃 −1 ) . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑎 . (𝑀𝐿−1 𝑇 −1 )𝑏 . (𝐿)𝑐 . (𝑀𝐿𝑇 −3 𝜃)𝑑

Comparing indices of M, L ,T and θ,

𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑑 = 0,
 2 – 3𝑎 – 𝑏 + 𝑐 + 𝑑 = 0,
– 2 – 𝑏 – 3𝑑 = 0,
– 1– 𝑑 = 0
𝑎 = 0,
𝑏 = 1,
𝑐 = 0,
𝑑 =– 1
∴ Substituting the values of a, b, c and d
𝐶𝑝 𝜇
𝜋5 =
𝑘
Sixth π term:

𝜋6 = 𝑢 . 𝜌𝑎 . 𝜇𝑏 . ℎ𝑐 . 𝑘 𝑑
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 𝜃 0 = (𝐿𝑇 −1 ) . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑎 . (𝑀𝐿−1 𝑇 −1 )𝑏 . (𝐿)𝑐 . (𝑀𝐿𝑇 −3 𝜃)𝑑

Comparing indices of M, L ,T and θ,

𝑎 + 𝑏 + 𝑑 = 0,
1 – 3𝑎 – 𝑏 + 𝑐 + 𝑑 = 0,
– 1 – 𝑏 – 3𝑑 = 0,
𝑑 = 0
∴ 𝑎 = 1,
𝑏 = −1,
𝑐 = 1,

∴ Substituting the values of a, b, c and d

𝑢𝜌ℎ
𝜋6 =
𝜇

we can express,

𝐻ℎ 𝛽𝜇3 ∆𝑇𝜌2 ℎ2 𝑘 𝑔𝜌2 ℎ3 𝐶𝑝 𝜇 𝑢𝜌ℎ

𝑓1 ( , , , , , )=0
𝑘 𝜌2 ℎ2 𝑘 𝜇3 𝜇2 𝑘 𝜇
 𝐻ℎ 𝛽𝜇 3 ∆𝑇𝜌2 ℎ2 𝑘 𝑔𝜌2 ℎ3 𝐶𝑝 𝜇 𝑢𝜌ℎ
or, = 𝑗( , , , , )
𝑘 𝜌2 ℎ2 𝑘 𝜇3 𝜇2 𝑘 𝜇

As there are too many π terms , so we can combine π2 , π3 and π4 as (π2 × π3 × π4) to form the
group known as Grashof number,

𝛽𝜇3 ∆𝑇𝜌2 ℎ2 𝑘 𝑔𝜌2 ℎ3

𝜋7 = 2 2 × ×
𝜌 ℎ 𝑘 𝜇3 𝜇2
∆𝑇𝑔𝛽𝜌2 ℎ3
∴ 𝜋7 =
𝜇2
Finally, we can express the results of the dimensional analysis in the form

𝐻ℎ 𝐶𝑝 𝜇 𝑢𝜌ℎ ∆𝑇𝑔𝛽𝜌2 ℎ3
= 𝑗( , , )
𝑘 𝑘 𝜇 𝜇2
Ans.

Problem 7. Players use spin in ball plays like tennis, golf etc. As the ball moves the spin rate
will decrease. If the aerodynamic torque τ on the ball in flight depends on the forward speed u,
density, ρ and viscosity of air, μ ,the ball diameter D, angular velocity of spin, ω and the
roughness height ε on the ball surface, determine the dimensionless parameters to correlate
situation.
Soln:
From the statement of the problem we can write,

𝜏 = 𝑓 ( 𝑢, 𝜌, 𝜇, 𝐷, 𝜔, 𝜀)
or, 𝑓1 (𝜏 , 𝑢, 𝜌, 𝜇, 𝐷, 𝜔, 𝜀) = 0
The dimensions of the variables (using MLT system) are :

Serial No. Variables Dimensions

1 Aerodynamic torque, 𝜏 MLT-2

2 Forward speed, u LT-1

3 Density, ρ ML-3
4 Viscosity of air, μ ML-1T-1

5 Ball diameter, D L

6 Angular velocity of spin, ω T-1

7 Roughness height, 𝜀 L
Number of variables n = 7
Number of fundamental dimension m = 3
Number of dimensionless π terms (n - m) = 4

𝑓1 (𝜋1 , 𝜋2 , 𝜋3 , 𝜋4 ) = 0

Selecting D, u, ρ as the repeating variables

First π term:

𝜋1 = 𝜏 . 𝐷𝑎 . 𝑢𝑏 . 𝜌𝑐
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 = (𝑀𝐿2 𝑇 −2 ) . (𝐿)𝑎 . (𝐿𝑇 −1 )𝑏 . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑐

Comparing indices of M, L and T

1 + 𝑐 = 0,
2 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 – 3𝑐 = 0,
– 2– 𝑏 = 0

∴ 𝑎 = – 3,
𝑏 = – 2,
𝑐 = –1
Substituting the values of a, b, and c
𝜏
𝜋1 =
𝜌𝑢2 𝐷3

Second π term:

𝜋2 = 𝜇 . 𝐷𝑎 . 𝑢𝑏 . 𝜌𝑐
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 = (𝑀𝐿−1 𝑇 −1 ) . (𝐿)𝑎 . (𝐿𝑇 −1 )𝑏 . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑐

Comparing indices of M, L and T

1 + 𝑐 = 0,
– 1 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 – 3𝑐 = 0,
– 1– 𝑏 = 0
 ∴ 𝑎 = – 1,
𝑏 = – 1,
𝑐 =– 1

Substituting the values of a, b and c

𝜇
𝜋2 =
𝜌𝑢𝐷

Third π term:

𝜋3 = 𝜔 . 𝐷𝑎 . 𝑢𝑏 . 𝜌𝑐
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 = (𝑇 −1 ) . (𝐿)𝑎 . (𝐿𝑇 −1 )𝑏 . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑐

Comparing indices of M, L and T

𝑐 = 0,
𝑎 + 𝑏 – 3𝑐 = 0,
– 1 – 𝑏 = 0,
∴ 𝑎 = – 1,
𝑏 = 1
Susbtituting the values of a, b and c
𝜔𝐷
𝜋3 =
𝑢
Fourth π term:

𝜋4 = 𝜀 . 𝐷𝑎 . 𝑢𝑏 . 𝜌𝑐
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 = (𝐿) . (𝐿)𝑎 . (𝐿𝑇 −1 )𝑏 . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑐

Comparing indices of M, L and T

𝑐 = 0,
1 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 – 3𝑐 = 0,
– 𝑏 = 0,
∴ 𝑎 = – 1,
 𝑏 = 0
Susbtituting the values of a, b and c
𝜀
𝜋4 =
𝐷

Finally, we can express the results of the dimensional analysis in the form
𝜏 𝜇 𝜔𝐷 𝜀
𝑓1 ( , , , )=0
𝜌𝑢2 𝐷2 𝜌𝑢𝐷 𝑢 𝐷

𝜏 𝜇 𝜔𝐷 𝜀
or, = 𝑗( , , )
𝜌𝑢2 𝐷2 𝜌𝑢𝐷 𝑢 𝐷
Ans.

Problem 8. Oil is moved up in a lubricating system by a rope dipping in the sump containing oil
and moving up. The quantity of oil pumped Q, depends on the speed of the rope u , the layer
thickness 𝛿 , the density, ρ and viscosity of the oil, μ and acceleration due to gravity, g. Obtain
the dimensionless parameters to correlate the flow.

Soln:
From the statement of the problem we can write,

𝑄 = 𝑓 ( 𝑢, 𝛿, 𝜌, 𝜇, 𝑔)
or, 𝑓1 (𝜏 , 𝑢, 𝜌, 𝜇, 𝐷, 𝜔, 𝜀) = 0

The dimensions of the variables (using MLT system) are :

Serial No. Variables Dimensions

1 Quantity of oil pumped, 𝑄 L3T-1

2 The speed of the rope, u LT-1

3 Layer thickness, 𝛿 L

4 Density, ρ ML-3
5 Viscosity of the oil, μ ML-1T-1

6 Acceleration due to gravity, g LT-2

Number of variables n = 6
Number of fundamental dimension m = 3
Number of dimensionless π terms (n - m) = 3

𝑓1 (𝜋1 , 𝜋2 , 𝜋3 ) = 0
Selecting 𝛿, u, ρ as the repeating variables
First π term:

𝜋1 = 𝑄 . 𝛿 𝑎 . 𝑢𝑏 . 𝜌𝑐
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 = (𝐿3 𝑇 −1 ) . (𝐿)𝑎 . (𝐿𝑇 −1 )𝑏 . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑐

Comparing indices of M, L and T

𝑐 = 0,
3 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 – 3𝑐 = 0,
– 1– 𝑏 = 0
∴ 𝑎 = – 2,
𝑏 = – 1,
𝑐 = 0
Substituting the values of a, b, and c
𝑄
𝜋1 =
𝑢𝛿 2

Second π term:

𝜋2 = 𝜇 . 𝛿 𝑎 . 𝑢𝑏 . 𝜌𝑐
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 = (𝑀𝐿−1 𝑇 −1 ) . (𝐿)𝑎 . (𝐿𝑇 −1 )𝑏 . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑐

Comparing indices of M, L and T

1 + 𝑐 = 0,
– 1 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 – 3𝑐 = 0,
– 1– 𝑏 = 0
∴ 𝑎 = – 1,
𝑏 = – 1,
𝑐 =– 1
Substituting the values of a, b and c
𝜇
𝜋2 =
𝜌𝑢𝛿
Third π term:

𝜋3 = 𝑔 . 𝛿 𝑎 . 𝑢𝑏 . 𝜌𝑐
or, 𝑀0 𝐿0 𝑇 0 = (𝐿𝑇 −2 ) . (𝐿)𝑎 . (𝐿𝑇 −1 )𝑏 . (𝑀𝐿−3 )𝑐

Comparing indices of M, L and T

𝑐 = 0,
1 + 𝑎 + 𝑏 – 3𝑐 = 0,
– 2 – 𝑏 = 0,
∴ 𝑎 = 1,
𝑏 = −2
Susbtituting the values of a, b and c
𝛿𝑔
𝜋3 =
𝑢2

Finally, we can express the results of the dimensional analysis in the form
𝑄 𝜇 𝛿𝑔
𝑓1 ( , , )=0
𝑢𝛿 2 𝜌𝑢𝛿 𝑢2
𝑄 𝜇 𝛿𝑔
or, 2 = 𝑗 ( 𝜌𝑢𝛿 , 𝑢2
)
𝑢𝛿
Ans.

Problem 9. A ship 300 m long moves in sea-water, whose density is 1030 kg/m3 . A 1 : 100
model of this ship is to be tested in a wind tunnel. The velocity of air in the wind tunnel around
the model is 30 m/s and the resistance of the model is 60 N. Determine the velocity of ship in
sea water and also the resistance of the ship in sea-water. The density of air is given as 1.24
kg/m3 . Take the kinematic viscosity of sea-water and air as 0.012 stokes and 0.018 stokes
respectively.
Soln :
Given:
For prototype,

Length, 𝐿𝑝 = 300𝑚
𝐹𝑙𝑢𝑖𝑑 = 𝑆𝑒𝑎 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟

Density of Water, 𝜌𝑝 = 1030 𝑘𝑔/𝑚3

Kinematic viscosity, 𝜈𝑝 = 0.012 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑘𝑒𝑠 = 0.012 × 10−4 𝑚2 ⁄𝑠
Let, velocity of ship = 𝑉𝑝

Resistance of the ship = 𝑅𝑝

For model,
1
Length, 𝐿𝑚 = 100 × 300𝑚 = 3 𝑚
Fluid = Air

Density of air, 𝜌𝑚 = 1.24 kg/m3

Kinematic viscosity, 𝜈𝑚 = 0.018 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑘𝑒𝑠 = 0.018 × 10−4 𝑚2 ⁄𝑠
Velocity , Vm = 30 m/s
Resistance, Rm = 60 N

For dynamic similarity between the prototype and its model , Reynold number for both of them
should be equal.
So,
𝑉𝑝 ×𝐿𝑝 𝑉𝑚 ×𝐿𝑚
=
𝜈𝑝 𝜈𝑚

𝜈𝑝 𝐿𝑚
or, 𝑉𝑝 = × × 𝑉𝑚
𝜈𝑚 𝐿𝑝

0.012×10−4 3
= × 300 × 30
0.018×10−4
So,

𝑉𝑝 = 0.2 𝑚/𝑠

Now,

𝑅𝑒𝑠𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒, 𝑅 = 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 × 𝑎𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

= 𝜌𝐿3 × 𝑉
𝑡
𝐿
= 𝜌𝐿2 × 𝑉 ×
𝑡

= 𝜌𝐿2 × 𝑉 × 𝑉
= 𝜌𝐿2 𝑉 2
Then,

𝑅𝑝 𝜌𝑝 𝐿𝑝 2 𝑉𝑝 2
=
𝑅𝑚 𝜌𝑚 𝐿𝑚 2 𝑉𝑚 2
 𝑅𝑝 1030 × 3002 × 0.22
or, =
𝑅𝑚 1.24 × 32 × 302
𝑅𝑝
or, 𝑅𝑚
= 369.17

or, 𝑅𝑝 = 369.17 × 𝑅𝑚

or, 𝑅𝑝 = 369.17 × 60

so, 𝑅𝑝 = 22150.2 𝑁

∴ Velocity of ship, 𝑉𝑝 = 0.2 𝑚/𝑠

Resistance of the ship, 𝑅𝑝 = 22150.2 𝑁
Ans.

Problem 10. The pressure drop in an airplane model of size 1/10 of its prototype is 80 N/cm2 .The
model is tested in water. Find the corresponding pressure drop in the prototype. Take density of air
= 1.24 kg/m3 . The viscosity of water is 0.01 poise while the viscosity of air is 0.00018 poise.

Soln:
Given:
For prototype,
Fluid = Air

Viscosity of air, 𝜇𝑝 = 0.00018 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑒

Density of air, 𝜌𝑝 = 1.24 𝑘𝑔⁄𝑚3

Let, Pressure drop in the prototype = 𝑝𝑝

Length of prototype = 𝐿𝑝

Velocity = 𝑉𝑝
For model,
Fluid = Water

Viscosity of water, 𝜇𝑚 = 0.01 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑠𝑒

Density of water, 𝜌𝑚 = 1000 𝑘𝑔⁄𝑚3
Pressure drop in the model , 𝑝𝑚 = 80 𝑁⁄𝑐𝑚2 = 80 × 104 𝑁/𝑚2

Let , Length of model = 𝐿𝑚

Velocity = 𝑉𝑚
𝐿𝑝
Linear scale ratio, 𝐿𝑟 = 40 =
𝐿𝑚
Now, making Reynold’s number equal,

𝜌𝑚 𝑉𝑚 𝐿𝑚 𝜌𝑝 𝑉𝑝 𝐿𝑝
=
𝜇𝑚 𝜇𝑝
𝑉𝑚 𝜌𝑝 𝐿𝑝 𝜇𝑚
or, = × ×
𝑉𝑝 𝜌𝑚 𝐿𝑚 𝜇𝑝

𝑉𝑚 1.24 0.01
or, = × 40 ×
𝑉𝑝 1000 0.00018

𝑉𝑚
∴ = 2.755
𝑉𝑝
Now, making Euler’s number equal,

𝑉𝑚 𝑉𝑝
=
𝑝 𝑝𝑝
√𝜌𝑚 √𝜌
𝑚 𝑝

𝑝𝑚
√𝜌
𝑉𝑚 𝑚
or, = 𝑝𝑝
𝑉𝑝
√𝜌
𝑝

𝑉𝑚 𝑝 𝜌𝑝
or, = √ 𝑚 × √
𝑉𝑝 𝑝𝑝 𝜌𝑚

𝑝 1.24
or, 2.755 = √ 𝑚 × √
𝑝𝑝 1000

𝑚𝑝
or, √ 𝑝𝑝 = 78.267
𝑝𝑚
or, = (78.267)2
𝑝𝑝

𝑝𝑚
or, 𝑝𝑝 = (78.267)2

80 × 104
or, 𝑝𝑝 = (78.267)2

or, 𝑝𝑝 = 130.5968 𝑁/𝑚2

∴ 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑝 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑦𝑝𝑒 𝑝𝑝 = 0.01305968 𝑁/𝑐𝑚2

Ans.