CE3391 FLUID MECHANICS AND MACHINERY L T P C

3 1 0 4

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. To introduce the students a b o u t properties of the fluids, behaviour of fluids under static conditions.
2. To impart basic knowledge of the dynamics of fluids and boundary layer concept.
3. To expose to the applications of the conservation laws to a) flow measurements b) flow through
pipes (both laminar and turbulent) and c) forces on pipe bends.
4. To exposure to the significance of boundary layer theory and its thicknesses.
5. To expose the students to basic principles of working of hydraulic machineries and to design Pelton
wheel, Francis and Kaplan turbine, centrifugal and reciprocating pumps.

UNIT I FLUID PROPERTIES AND FLOW CHARACTERISTICS 10+3

Properties of fluids – Fluid statics - Pressure Measurements - Buoyancy and floatation - Flow
characteristics - Eulerian and Lagrangian approach - Concept of control volume and system - Reynold’s
transportation theorem - Continuity equation, energy equation and momentum equation - Applications.

UNIT II FLOW THROUGH PIPES AND BOUNDARY LAYER 9+3

Reynold’s Experiment - Laminar flow through circular conduits - Darcy Weisbach equation - friction factor
- Moody diagram - Major and minor losses - Hydraulic and energy gradient lines - Pipes in series and
parallel - Boundary layer concepts - Types of boundary layer thickness.

UNIT III DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS AND MODEL STUDIES 8+3

Fundamental dimensions - Dimensional homogeneity - Rayleigh’s method and Buckingham Pi theorem
- Dimensionless parameters - Similitude and model studies - Distorted and undistorted models.

UNIT IV TURBINES 9+3

Impact of jets - Velocity triangles - Theory of rotodynamic machines - Classification of turbines - Working
principles - Pelton wheel - Modern Francis turbine - Kaplan turbine - Work done - Efficiencies - Draft tube
- Specific speed - Performance curves for turbines - Governing of turbines.

UNIT V PUMPS 9+3

Classification of pumps - Centrifugal pumps - Working principle - Heads and efficiencies– Velocity
triangles - Work done by the impeller - Performance curves - Reciprocating pump working principle -
Indicator diagram and it’s variations - Work saved by fitting air vessels - Rotary pumps.

TOTAL: 60 PERIODS
OUTCOMES:
On completion of the course, the student is expected to be able to
1. Understand the properties and behaviour in static conditions. Also, to understand the conservation
laws applicable to fluids and its application through fluid kinematics and dynamics
2. Estimate losses in pipelines for both laminar and turbulent conditions and analysis of pipes connected
in series and parallel. Also, to understand the concept of boundary layer and its thickness on the flat
solid surface.
3. Formulate the relationship among the parameters involved in the given fluid phenomenon and to
predict the performances of prototype by model studies
4. Explain the working principles of various turbines and design the various types of turbines.
5. Explain the working principles of centrifugal, reciprocating and rotary pumps and design the
centrifugal and reciprocating pumps

TEXT BOOKS:
1. Modi P.N. and Seth, S.M. Hydraulics and Fluid Mechanics, Standard Book House, New Delhi, 22nd
edition (2019)
2. Jain A. K. Fluid Mechanics including Hydraulic Machines, Khanna Publishers, New
Delhi, 2014.
3. Kumar K. L., Engineering Fluid Mechanics, Eurasia Publishing House(p) Ltd. New Delhi, 2016.
 IMPORTANT QUESTION & ANSWERS
UNIT –I
FLUID PROPERTIES AND FLOW CHARACTERISTICS
1. Explain the variation of viscosity with temperature
For liquids viscosity inversely vary with the temperature and for gases
the viscosity varies directly with the temperature.
2. Define –Incompressible fluid.
The density of the fluid is not constant for the fluid, generally all the
liquids are incompressible
3. State the assumption used in the derivation of the Bernoulli’s
equation.
1. The fluid is ideal
2. the flow is steady
3. the flow is incompressible
4. The flow is irrotational
4. What is cohesion and adhesion in fluids?
Cohesion is due to the force of attraction between the molecules of
the same liquid. Adhesion is due to the force of attraction between the
molecules of two different liquids or between the molecules of the liquid and
molecules of the solid boundary surface
5. What is kinematics viscosity? State its units
It is defined as the ratio of dynamic viscosity (µ) to mass density (ρ).
(m²/sec)
6. State momentum of momentum equation?
It states that the resulting torque acting on a rotating fluid is equal
to the rate of change of moment of momentum.
7. Define density and specific weight.
a. Density is defined as mass per unit volume (kg/m3)
b. Specific weight is defined as weight possessed per unit volume (N/m3)
8. What are the properties of real fluid?
1. It is compressible
2. They are viscous in nature
3. Shear force exists always in such fluid.
9. Define Surface tension and Capillarity?
Surface tension is due to the force of cohesion between the liquid
particles at the free surface.
Capillary is a phenomenon of rise or fall of liquid surface relative to
the adjacent general level of liquid.
10. Differentiate absolute and gauge pressure?
Gauge pressure is measured by gauge which is above atmospheric
pressure, absolute pressure which measured from absolute zero level.
[Link] the capillary rise of mercury in a 2 mm ID glass tube.
Assume,  = 0.5 N/m and β = 130.
Specific weight of mercury,  = 13600 X 9.81 N/m3,
Therefore, h = (4 cosβ)/gD
h = (4 X 0.5 x cos 130)/13600 x 9.8 x 0.002
h = - 4.82 X 10-3 = -4.82 mm
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April/May 2017

PART C
1. Explain Reynold’s experiment. (Nov/Dec 2016)
In 1880’s, Professor Osborne Reynolds carried out numerous experiment on fluid
flow. We will now discuss the laboratory set up of his experiment. The experimental
set used by Prof. Osborne Reynold is shown in Fig 1. As you can see from the figure,
Reynolds injected dye jet in a glass tube which is submerged in the large water tank.
Please see that the other end of the glass tube is out of water tank and is fitted with a
valve. He made use of the valve to regulate the flow of water. The observations made
by Reynolds from his experiment are given shown through Figures 5 to 7.
 Fig. 1 Experimental Set up for Reynold’s Experiment

Fig. 2 Sketch showing the flow to be simple and ordered at low velocity

Fig. 3 The flow of dye forming wavy pattern at medium velocity

Fig. 4 The flow of dye is complex at higher velocity

APPROACH TOWARDS REYNOLDS’ NUMBER
Throughout the experiment, Reynolds thought that the flow must be governed by
a dimensionless quantity. What he observed was that Inertial force/Viscous force is unit
less (dimensionless). Let us see the mathematical expression of inertial force and viscous
force.
Inertial force is the force due to motion i.e. which may be also called as kinetic
force.
Kinetic energy = ½ mv2
Inertia force = v2/2
Viscous force =  (du/dy)
Reynold’s Number = Inertia force/ Viscous force
= v2dy/ du
Now, for a finite length we can write dy = l, and du = v
Reynold’s Number = Inertia force/ Viscous force

Reynold’s number = vl/

 UNIT –II
FLOW THROUGH PIPES AND BOUNDARY LAYER
1. Difference between hydraulic Gradient line and Energy Gradient line.
Hydraulic gradient line :-
Hydraulic gradient line is defined as the line which gives the sum
of pressure head and datum head of a flowing fluid in a pipe with
respect the reference line
Total energy line :-
Total energy line is defined as the line which gives the sum of
pressure head , datum head and kinetic head of a flowing fluid
in a pipe with respect to some reference line
2. Mention the general characteristics of laminar flow.
1. There is a shear stress between fluid layers
2. ‘No slip’ at the boundary
3. The flow is rotational
4. There is a continuous dissipation of energy due to viscous
shear
3. Define boundary layer thickness
It is defined as the distance from the solid boundary in the direction
perpendicular to the direction of flow where the velocity of fluid is
approximately equal to 0.99 times the free stream velocity
4. What is Hagen poiseuille’s formula ?
P1-P2 / pg = h f = 32 µUL / _gD2
The expression is known as Hagen poiseuille formula .
Where P1-P2 / _g = Loss of pressure head U = Average velocity
µ = Coefficient of viscosity D = Diameter of pipe
L = Length of pipe
5. What is the expression for head loss due to friction in Darcy formula?

hf = 4fLV2 / 2gD
 Where f = Coefficient of friction in pipe L = Length of the pipe
D = Diameter of pipe V = velocity of the fluid
6. List the minor energy losses in pipes?
This is due to
i. Sudden expansion in pipe
ii. Sudden contraction in pipe.
iii. Bend in pipe.
iv. Due to obstruction in pipe
7. What are the factors influencing the frictional loss in pipe flow?
Frictional resistance for the turbulent flow is
1. Proportional to vn where v varies from 1.5 to 2.0.
2. Proportional to the density of fluid.
3. Proportional to the area of surface in contact.
4. Independent of pressure. Depend on the nature of the surface in
contact.
8. What are the basic educations to solve the problems in flow through
branched pipes?
i. Continuity equation.
ii. Bernoulli’s formula.
iii. Darcy weisbach equation.
9. What is Dupuit’s equation?
(L1/d15)+(L2/d25) +(L3/d35) = (L / d5)
Where
L1, d1 = Length and diameter of the pipe 1
L2, d2 = Length and diameter of the pipe 2
L3, d3 = Length and diameter of the pipe 3
10. Define Moody diagram
It is a graph in non-dimensional form that relates the Darcy friction
factor, Reynolds number and relative roughness for fully developed flow in
a circular pipe.
11. Define boundary layer. (April/May 2017)
When fluids flow over surfaces, the molecules near the surface are
brought to rest due to the viscosity of the fluid. The adjacent layers also slow
down, but to a lower and lower extent. This slowing down is found limited
to a thin layer near the surface. The fluid beyond this layer is not

Affected by the presence of the surface. The fluid layer near the surface in
which there is a general slowing down is defined as boundary layer.
[Link] are equivalent pipes? Mention the equation used for it.
(April/May 2017)
Equivalent pipes are defined as the pipes of uniform diameter having
loss of head and discharge equal to the loss of head and discharge of a
compound pipe consisting of several pipes of different lengths and diameters.
The uniform diameter of the equivalent pipe is called equivalent size of the
pipe.
The equation used to represent equivalent pipe is called Dupit’s
equation which is given as,
(L1/d15)+ (L2/d25) +(L3/d35) = (L / d5)
Where
L1, d1 = Length and diameter of the pipe 1
L2, d2 = Length and diameter of the pipe 2
L3, d3 = Length and diameter of the pipe 3
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8. Three pipes of 400 mm, 200 mm and 300 mm diameters have lengths of 400 m,
200 m, and 300 m respectively. They are connected in series to make a compound
pipe. The ends of the compound pipe are connected with two tanks whose difference
of water levels is 16 m. if the coefficient of friction for these pipes is same and
equal to 0.005, determine the discharge through the compound pipe neglecting
first the minor losses and then including them. (Nov/Dec 2016)
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Nov/Dec 2016
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 UNIT –III
DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
1. Define dimensional homogeneity.
The dimensions of each term in an equation on both sides are equal.
Thus if the dimensions of each term on both sides of an equation are the
same the equation is known as dimensionally homogeneous equation
2. Derive the expression for Reynold’s number?
It is the ratio between inertia forces to the viscous force
Re=ρvD/μ

3. Define Mach number?

It is defined as the square root of the ratio of the inertia force of a
flowing fluid to the elastic force
4. State the Buckingham’s π theorem?
If there are n variables (dependent and independent) in a physical
phenomenon and if these variables contain m fundamental dimensions, then
these variables are arranged into (n-m) dimensionless terms called Pi terms
5. Name the methods for determination of dimensionless groups.
i) Buckinghams pi theorem
ii) Raleyritz method
5. State Froude’s dimensionless number.

It is defined as the square root of the ratio of inertia force of a flowing fluid
to the gravity force

Fe=√ i Fg.
7. Define dynamic similarity.
Dynamic similarity is said to exist between the model and the
prototype if the ratios of corresponding forces at the corresponding points
in the model are the same.
8. What are the advantages of model and dimensional analysis?

1. The performance of the structure or the machine can be easily

predicted.
2. With the dimensional analysis the relationship between the
variables influencing a flow in terms of dimensionless
parameter can be obtained.
3. Alternative design can be predicted and modification can be
done on the model itself and therefore, economical and safe
design may be adopted.

9. List the basic dimensional units in dimensional analysis.

1. Length(L)-meter
2. Mass(M)- kilogram
3. Time (T)- seconds
10. What are distorted models? State its merits and demerits.
A model is said to be distorted if it is not geometrically similar to its
prototype. For a distorted model different scale ratios for the linear
dimensions are adopted.
Merits
1. The vertical dimensions of the model can be measured
accurately
2. The cost of the model can be reduced
3. Turbulent flow in the model can be maintained.
Demerits
1. The results of the distorted model cannot be directly transferred
to its prototype.
11. Derive the scale ratio for velocity and pressure intensity using
Froude model law. (Nov/Dec 2016)
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April/May 2017
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Nov/Dec 2016
 PART-C
1. The aerodynamic drag of a new sports car is to be predicted at a speed
of 50.0 mi/h at an air temperature of 25°C. Automotive engineers build a one-
fifth scale model of the car to test in a wind tunnel. It is winter and the wind tunnel
is located in an unheated building; the temperature of the wind tunnel air is only
about 5°C. Determine how fast the engineers should run the wind tunnel in order
to achieve similarity between the model and the prototype.
SOLUTION
We are to utilize the concept of similarity to determine the speed of the wind tunnel.
Assumptions [Link] of the air is negligible (the validity of this
approximation is discussed later). 2. The wind tunnel walls are far enough away so
as to not interfere with the aerodynamic drag on the model car. 3. The model is
geometrically similar to the prototype. 4 .The wind tunnel has a moving belt to simulate
the ground under the car, as in Fig. (The moving belt is necessary in order to achieve
kinematic similarity everywhere in the flow, in particular underneath the car.)
Properties

For air at atmospheric pressure and at T = 25°C,  = 1.184 kg/m3 and = 1.849x 10-5
kg/m.s. Similarly, at T = 5°C,  = 1.269 kg/m3 and  = 1.754x 10-5 kg/m · s.
Since there is only one independent  in this problem, the similarity equation
holds if 2m = 2

which can be solved for the unknown wind tunnel speed for the model tests,
Vm,
Vm = Vp (m/p)(p/m)(Lp/Lm)
Substituting the values we have,
Vm = 221 m/h

Thus, to ensure similarity, the wind tunnel should be run at 221 mi/h (to three
significant digits). Note that we were never given the actual length of either car,
but the ratio of Lp to Lm is known because the prototype is five times larger than
the scale model. When the dimensional parameters are rearranged as non-
dimensional ratios (as done here), the unit system is irrelevant. Since the units in
each numerator cancel those in each denominator, no unit conversions are
necessary.
 UNIT –V

TURBINES

1. Define volumetric efficiency?

It is defined as the volume of water actually striking the buckets to
the total water Supplied by the jet
2. Write short notes on Draft tube?
It is a gradually increasing area which connects the outlet of the runner
to the tail race. It is used for discharging water from the exit of the turbine
to the tail race.
3. How are hydraulic turbine classified?
1. According to the type of energy
2. According to the direction of flow
3. According to the head at inlet
4. According to the specific speed of the turbine
4. What is mean by hydraulic efficiency of the turbine?
It is ratio between powers developed by the runner to the power
supplied to the water jet
5. Define specific speed of the turbine
The speed at which a turbine runs when it is working under a unit
head and develop unit power
6. What is meant by governing of a turbine?
It is defined as the operation by which the speed of the turbine is
kept constant under all conditions of working. It is done by oil pressure
governor.
7. List the important characteristic curves of a turbine
a. Main characteristics curves or Constant head curves
b. Operating characteristic curves or Constant speed curves
c. Muschel curves or Constant efficiency curves
8. Define gross head and net or effective head.
Gross Head: The gross head is the difference between the water
level at the reservoir and the level at the tailstock.
Effective Head: The head available at the inlet of the turbine.
9. What is the difference between impulse turbine and Reaction
turbine?

[Link] Reaction turbine Impulse turbine

1. Blades are in action at all the Blades are only in action when
time they are in front of nozzle

2. Water is admitted over the Water may be allowed to enter a

circumference the wheel part or whole of the wheel
circumference
10. Give example for a low head, medium head and high head turbine

Low head turbine – Kaplan turbine

Medium head turbine – Modern Francis
High head turbine – Pelton wheel
11. Explain the type of flow in Francis turbine?
The type of flow in Francis turbine is inward flow with radial discharge
at outlet.
[Link] do you classify turbine based on flow direction and working
medium?
According to the direction of flow turbines are classified into
(i) Tangential flow turbine
(ii) Radial flow turbine
(iii) Axial flow turbine
(iv) Mixed flow turbine
According to the working medium turbines are classified into
(i) Gas turbine
(ii) Water turbine
(iii) Steam turbine
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5. With a neat sketch, explain the construction and working of Pelton wheel.

Pelton turbine is a tangential flow impulse turbine. It is named after [Link], an

American engineer. This turbine is used for high heads.
MAIN PARTS:
1. Nozzle and flow regulating valve
2. Runner and buckets
3. Casing
4. Breaking jet
1. Nozzle and flow regulating valve
The nozzle increases the kinetic energy of water flowing through the penstock. At
the outlet of the nozzle, the water comes out in the form of jet and strikes the
bucket of the runner. The amount of water striking the buckets of the runner is
controlled by providing a spear in the nozzle. The spear is a conical needle which
can be operated manually. When the spear is pushed forward or backward into
the nozzle the amount of water striking the runner is reduced or increased.
2. Runner and buckets
The runner consists of a circular disc with a number of bucket evenly spaced
round its periphery. The shape of the bucket is of semi ellipsoidal cups. Each bucket
is divided into two symmetrical parts by a dividing which is known as splitter.
The splitter divides the jet into two equal parts and the jet comes out at the outer
edge of the bucket.
The bucket is made up of cast iron, cast steel bronze or stainless steel
depending upon the head at the inlet of the turbine.
3. Casing:
The function of casing is to prevent the splashing of the water and to
discharge water to tail race. It also acts as a safeguard against accident.
It is made up of cast iron or fabricated steel plates.
4. Breaking jet:
When the nozzle is completely closed by moving the spear in the forward
direction, the amount of water striking the runner reduces to zero. But the runner
due to inertia goes on revolving for a long time. To stop the runner in a short
time, a small nozzle is provided which directs the jet of water on the back of the
vanes. This jet of water is called breaking jet.
Working:
The water from the reservoir flows through the penstocks at the outlet of
which a nozzle is fitted. The nozzle increases the kinetic energy of water flowing
through the penstock. At the outlet of the nozzle, the water comes out in the form
of jet and strikes the bucket of the runner.
The water flows along the tangent to the path of rotation of the runner. The
runner revolves freely in air. The water is in contact with only a part of the runner
at a time, and throughout its action on the runner and in its subsequent flow to
the tail race, the water is at atmospheric pressure. Casing is to prevent the splashing
of the water and to discharge water to tail race.
6. Draw the characteristic curves of the turbines. Explain the significance?
Characteristics curves of a hydraulic turbine are the curves, with the help
of which the exact behavior and performance of the turbine under different working
conditions can be obtained. These curves are plotted from the results of the tests
performed on the turbine.
The important parameters which are varied during a test on a turbine:
1. Speed (N) [Link] (H) 3. Discharge (Q) [Link] (P)
5. Overall deficiency(ηo) 6. Gate opening
Speed (N), Head (H), Discharge (Q) are independent parameters. One of the
parameters are kept constant and the variation of the other four parameters with
respect to any one of the remaining two independent variables are plotted and
various curves are obtained. These curves are called characteristics curves. The
following are the important characteristic curves of a turbine.
1. Main characteristics curves or constant head curves.
2. Operating characteristics curves or constant speed curves
3. Muschel curves of constant efficiency curves
MAIN CHARACTERISTICS CURVES OR CONSTANT HEAD CURVES.
Main characteristics curves are obtained by maintaining a constant head and
a constant gate opening on the turbine. The speed of the turbine is varied by
changing load on the turbine. For each value of the speed, the corresponding values
of the power (P) and discharge(Q) are obtained. Then the overall
efficiency (ηo) for each value of the speed is calculated. From these readings the
values of unit speed (Nu), unit power (Pu),and unit discharge (Qu) are determined.
Main characteristics curves of a Pelton wheel as shown below.

Main characteristics of a Kaplan and reaction turbine as shown below.

OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS CURVES OR CONSTANT SPEED CURVES :

Operating Characteristics Curves are plotted when the speed on the
turbine is constant. There are three independent parameters namely N, H and Q.
For operating characteristics N and H are constant and hence the variation of
power and efficiency with respect to discharge Q are plotted. The power curve for
turbines shall not pass through the origin because certain amount of discharge is
needed to produce power to overcome initial friction. Hence the power and
efficiency curves will be slightly away from the origin on the x-axis as to overcome
initial friction certain amount of discharge will be required.

MUSCHEL CURVES OF CONSTANT EFFICIENCY CURVES:

These curves are obtained from the speed Vs efficiency and speed Vs
discharge curves for different gate openings. For a given efficiency, from the Nu vs
ηo. Curves, there are two speeds. From the Nu vs Qu curves, corresponding to two
values of speeds there are two values of discharge. If the efficiency is maximum
there is only one value. These two values of speed and two values of discharge
corresponding to a particular gate opening are plotted.
The procedure is repeated for different gate opening and the curve Q vs N
are plotted. The points having the same efficiency are iso-efficiency curves. These
curves are useful to determine the zone of constant efficiency and for predicting
the performance of the turbine at various efficiencies.
Horizontal lines representing the same efficiency are drawn on the ηo speed
curves. The points at which these lines cut the efficiency curves at various gate
opening are transferred to the corresponding Q- speed curves. The points having the
same efficiency are then joined by smooth curves. These smooth curves represent
the iso-efficiency curve.
7. Explain the working of Kaplan turbine. Construct its velocity triangles.

The popular axial flow turbines are the Kaplan turbine and propeller turbine.
In propeller turbine the blades are fixed. In the Kaplan turbines the blades are
mounted in the boss in bearings and the blades are rotated according to the flow
conditions by a servo mechanism maintaining constant speed. In this way a constant
efficiency is achieved in these turbines. The system is costly and where constant
load conditions prevail, the simpler propeller turbines are installed. There are many
locations where large flows are available at low head. In such a case the specific
speed increases to a higher value. In such situations axial flow turbines are gainfully
employed. A sectional view of a kaplan turbines in shown in figure. These turbines
are suited for head in the range 5 – 80 m and specific speeds in the range 350 to
900. The water from supply pipes enters the spiral casing as in the case of Francis
turbine. Guide blades direct the water into
the chamber above the blades at the proper direction. The speed governor in this
case acts on the guide blades and rotates them as per load requirements.
The flow rate is changed without any change in head. The water directed by
the guide blades enters the runner which has much fewer blades (3 to 10) than
the Francis turbine. The blades are also rotated by the governor to change the
inlet blade angle as per the flow direction from the guide blades, so that entry is
without shock. As the head is low, many times the draft tube may have to be elbow
type. The important dimensions are the diameter and the boss diameter which will
vary with the chosen speed. At lower specific speeds the boss diameter may be
higher.
The number of blades depends on the head available and varies from 3 to 10 for
heads from 5 to 70 m. As the peripheral speed varies along the radius (proportional
to the radius) the blade inlet angle should also vary with the radius. Hence twisted
type or Airfoil blade section has to be used.

Sectional view of Kaplan turbine

Velocity triangles

PART-C

1. The head available at a location was 1500 m. It is proposed to use a

generator to run at 750 rpm. The power available is estimated at 20,000 kW.
Investigate whether a single jet unit will be suitable. Estimate the number of
jets and their diameter. Determine the mean diameter of the runner and the
number of buckets.
2. At a location selected to install a hydroelectric plant, the head is estimated as
550 m. The flow rate was determined as 20 m 3m/s. The plant is located at a
distance of 2 m from the entry to the penstock pipes along the pipes. Two pipes of
2 m diameter are proposed with a friction factor of 0.029. Additional losses
amount to about 1/4th of frictional loss. Assuming an overall efficiency of 87%,
determine how much si ngle jet unit running at 300 rpm will be required.
 U
UNIT –IV
PUMPS
1. What is meant by Cavitations?
It is defined phenomenon of formation of vapor bubbles of a flowing
liquid in a region where the pressure of the liquid falls below its vapor
pressure and the sudden collapsing of theses vapor bubbles in a region of
high pressure.
2. Define Slip of reciprocating pump. When the negative slip does
occur?
The difference between the theoretical discharge and actual
discharge is called slip of the pump.
But in sometimes actual discharge may be higher than theoretical
discharge, in such a case coefficient of discharge is greater than unity and
the slip will be negative called as negative slip.
3. What is meant by NSPH?
Is defined as the absolute pressure head at the inlet to the pump, minus
the vapour pressure head plus velocity head
4. What is indicator diagram?
Indicator diagram is nothing but a graph plotted between the
pressure head in the cylinder and the distance traveled by the piston from
inner dead center for one complete revolution of the crank
5. What are rotary pumps?
Rotary pumps resemble like a centrifugal pumps in appearance. But
the working method differs. Uniform discharge and positive displacement
can be obtained by using these rotary pumps, It has the combined advantages
of both centrifugal and reciprocating pumps.
6. What is meant by Priming?
The delivery valve is closed and the suction pipe, casing and portion
of the delivery pipe upto delivery valve are completely filled with the liquid
so that no air pocket is left. This is called as priming.
7. Define speed ratio, flow ratio
Speed ratio: It is the ratio of peripheral speed at outlet to the
theoretical velocity of jet corresponding to manometric head.
Flow ratio: It is the ratio of the velocity of flow at exit to the
theoretical velocity of jet corresponding to manometric head.
8. Mention the main parts of the centrifugal pump.
(Nov/Dec 12)
1. Impeller
2. Casing
3. Suction pipe with foot valve and a strainer
4. Delivery pipe
9. What is an air vessel? What are its uses?

It is a closed chamber containing compressed air in the top portion

and liquid at the bottom of the chamber
Uses
To obtain a continuous supply of liquid at a uniform rate
To save a considerable amount of work in overcoming the frictional
resistance in the suction pipe
10. Specific speed of a centrifugal pump.
It is defined as the speed of a geometrically similar pump which would
deliver one cubic metre of liquid per second against a head of one [Link]
is denoted by ‘NS’
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6(a) What is an air vessel? Describe the function of the air vessel for
reciprocating pump with neat sketch. (8)
It is a closed chamber containing compressed air in the top portion and liquid
(or water) at the bottom of the chamber. This is used to obtain a continuous supply
of liquid at a uniform rate, to save a considerable amount of work in overcoming
the frictional resistance in the suction and delivery pipes and to run the pump at
high speed without separation.
The figure shows the single acting reciprocating pump to which air vessels
are fitted to the suction and delivery pipes. The air vessels act like an
Intermediate reservoir. During the first half of the stroke, the piston moves with
acceleration, which means the velocity of water in the suction pipe is more than

the mean velocity and hence the discharge of water entering the cylinder will be
more than the mean discharge. This excess quantity of water will be supplied from
the air vessel to the cylinder in such a way that the velocity in the suction pipe
below the air vessel is equal to mean velocity of flow. During the second half of the
suction stroke, the piston moves with retardation and hence the velocity of flow n
the suction pipe is less than the mean velocity of flow. Thus, the discharge entering
the cylinder will be less than the mean discharge. The velocity of water in the
suction pipe due to air vessel is equal to mean velocity of flow and discharge
required in cylinder is less than the mean discharge. Thus the excess water flowing
in suction pipe will be stored into air vessel, which will be supplied during the first
half of the stroke.
During the second half of the delivery stroke, the piston moves with
retardation and the velocity of water in the delivery pipe will be less than the mean
velocity. The water already stored into the air vessel will start flowing into the
delivery pipe and the velocity of flow in the delivery pipe beyond the point to which
air vessel is fitted will become equal to the mean velocity. Hence the rate of flow
of water in the delivery pipe will be uniform.
6(b) Draw and discuss the characteristic curves of centrifugal pumps. (8)

Main characteristic curves

The main characteristic curves of a centrifugal pump consists of
variation of head Hm, power and discharge with respect to speed. For plotting curves
of manometric head versus speed, discharge, is kept constant. For plotting curves
of discharge versus speed, manometric head Hm is constant
For plotting the graph of Hm versus speed N, the discharge is kept constant.
From equation H α [Link] means that head developed by pump is proportional to
the N2 hence the curve is a parabolic curve. P α N3. This means the curve is a
cubic curve Q α N hence it is a straight line.

Operating characteristic curves

If the speed is kept constant. The variation of manometric head, power and
efficiency with respects to the discharge gives the operating characteristics of the
pump.
The input curve for pumps shall not pass through the origin. It will be
slightly away from the origin on the y-axis, as even at zero discharge some power
is needed to overcome mechanical losses.
The head curve will have maximum value of head when discharge is zero.
The output power curve will start from origin as at Q=0, output power will
be zero.
The efficiency curve will start from the origin as at Q=0,η=0
Constant Efficiency Curves
For obtaining constant efficiency curves for the pump, the head versus
discharge curves and efficiency versus discharge curves for different speed are used.
Fig shows the head versus discharge curves for different speeds. The efficiency
versus discharge curves for the different speeds are as shown in Fig. by

combining these curves (H-Q curves and η –Q curves), constant efficiency curves
are obtained
For plotting the constant efficiency curves (also known as iso -efficiency
curves), horizontal lines representing constant efficiencies are drawn on the η-Q
curves. The points, at which these lines cut the efficiency curves at various speed,
are transferred to the corresponding H-Q curves. The points having the same
efficiency are then joined by smooth curves. These smooth curves represent the
iso efficiency curves.
7. Discuss the working of gear pump with its schematic (April/May 2017)

Gear pump-Schematic
 Gear pump is a robust and simple positive displacement pump. It has two meshed
gears revolving about their respective axes. These gears are the only moving parts in
the pump. They are compact, relatively inexpensive and have few moving parts. The rigid
design of the gears and houses allow for very high pressures and the ability to pump
highly viscous fluids. They are suitable for a wide range of fluids and offer self- priming
performance. Sometimes gear pumps are designed to function as either a motor or a
pump. These pump includes helical and herringbone gear sets (instead of spur gears),
lobe shaped rotors similar to Roots blowers (commonly used as superchargers), and
mechanical designs that allow the stacking of pumps.
Construc ti on:
One of the gears is coupled with a prime mover and is called as driving gear and
another is called as driven gear. The rotating gear carries the fluid from the tank to the
outlet pipe. The suction side is towards the portion whereas the gear teeth come out of
the mesh. When the gears rotate, volume of the chamber expands leading to pressure
drop below atmospheric value. Therefore the vacuum is created and the fluid is pushed
into the void due to atmospheric pressure. The fluid is trapped between housing and
rotating teeth of the gears. The discharge side of pump is towards the portion where
the gear teeth run into the mesh and the volume decreases between meshing teeth. The
pump has a positive internal seal against leakage; therefore, the fluid is forced into the
outlet port. The gear pumps are often equipped with the side wear plate to avoid the
leakage. The clearance between gear teeth and housing and between side plate and gear
face is very important and plays an important role in preventing leakage. In general, the
gap distance is less than 10 micrometers.