Fluid Mechanics Tutorials (25MRB4202)
Tutorial 9: Dimensional Analysis
At the end of this session the student should have a complete understanding of the following concepts:
1. Understand the importance of dimensional analysis,
2. Apply Buckingham theory to find dimensionless term from given variables
3. Apply similarity rules to relate small scale model results to prototypes
Tutorial Questions
1. The power input P to a centrifugal pump is assumed to be a function of the volume flow Q, im-
peller diameter D, rotational rate Ω, and the density ρ and viscosity µ of the fluid. Rewrite this as
a dimensionless relationship. Hint: Take Ω, ρ and D as repeating variables.
2. Consider a liquid contained in a cylindrical vessel where both
the container and the liquid rotate together as a rigid body
(solid-body rotation). The height difference ℎbetween the
center of the liquid surface and its outer edge depends on the
angular velocity 𝜔, fluid density 𝜌, gravitational acceleration
𝑔, and the radius 𝑅. Using the method of repeating variables,
determine a dimensionless relationship among these param-
eters. Show all steps in your derivation. Answer
ℎ
= 𝑓(Fr)
𝑅
3. A periodic Kármán vortex street is formed when a
uniform stream flows over a circular cylinder (Fig.
P7–50). Use the method of repeating variables to
generate a dimensionless relationship for Kármán
vortex shedding frequency 𝑓𝑘 as a function of free-
stream speed 𝑉, fluid density 𝜌, fluid viscosity 𝜇, and
cylinder diameter 𝐷. Show all your work.
Answer: St = 𝑓(Re)
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Fluid Mechanics Tutorials (25MRB4202)
Tutorial 9: Dimensional Analysis
4. A boundary layer is a thin region (usually along a
wall) in which viscous forces are significant and
within which the flow is rotational. Consider a
boundary layer growing along a thin flat plate (Fig.
P7–54). The flow is steady. The boundary layer
thickness 𝛿at any downstream distance 𝑥is a func-
tion of 𝑥, free-stream velocity 𝑉∞ , and fluid prop-
erties 𝜌(density) and 𝜇(viscosity). Use the method
of repeating variables to generate a dimensionless
relationship for 𝛿as a function of the other parameters. Show all your work.
5. A one-sixteenth scale model of a new sports car is tested in a wind tunnel. The full-scale prototype
has a length of 4.37 m, a height of 1.30 m, and a width of 1.69 m. During testing, the speed of the
moving ground belt is adjusted to match the velocity of the air flowing through the test section.
The aerodynamic drag force 𝐹𝐷 is measured as a function of wind tunnel speed, and the experi-
mental data are provided in Table below.
Plot the drag coefficient 𝐶𝐷 as a function of the Reynolds number Re, where the frontal area is
taken as 𝐴 = width × height, and the characteristic length for Reynolds number is the car width
𝑊. Determine whether dynamic similarity has been achieved. Have the results reached Reynolds
number independence in this wind tunnel test? Finally, estimate the aerodynamic drag force act-
ing on the full-scale prototype when traveling at 29 m/s (65 mi/h). Assume both the wind tunnel
air and the air around the prototype are at 25°C and atmospheric pressure. Answers: no, yes, 350
N
6. Fluid of density ρ and viscosity μ flows around a submerged circular cylinder of diameter D and
length L. The drag force FD is related to fluid properties, free stream velocity V and cylinder diam-
eter. Using dimensional analysis, derive the relevant dimensionless terms of this case. Using the
derived terms, write the functional relationship between drag force and other variables.
7. At a sudden contraction in a pipe the diameter changes from D1 to D2. The pressure drop, Δp,
which develops across the contraction is a function of D1 and D2 as well as the velocity, V, in the
larger pipe, and the fluid density, ρ and viscosity, μ . Use D1, V and μ as repeating variables to
determine a suitable set of dimensionless parameters. Why would it be incorrect to include the
velocity in the smaller pipe as an additional variable?
8. Missiles travelling in air are subjected to drag force 𝐹. This force is a function of the missile length
𝐿, velocity 𝑉, diameter 𝐷, angle of attack 𝛼, density of air 𝜌, viscosity of air 𝜇, and speed of sound
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Fluid Mechanics Tutorials (25MRB4202)
Tutorial 9: Dimensional Analysis
in air 𝑎. Using the method of repeating variables form the dimensionless groups from these vari-
ables to describe the dependence of 𝐹on other variables.
The power coefficient of a wind turbine is defined:
𝑃
𝐶𝑝 =
0.5 𝜌𝑉 3 𝐴
where 𝑃is the power produced by turbine, 𝑉is wind speed, 𝜌is air density and 𝐴is turbine frontal
area. Experiments have shown that 𝐶𝑝 is dependent on turbine speed ratio defined:
Ω𝑅
𝜆=
𝑉
where Ω is turbine rotational speed in rad/s and 𝑅is turbine radius. Model tests have shown that
the maximum 𝐶𝑝 for a specific design is 0.45 and is obtained at 𝜆 = 5.5. It is desired to install a
similar turbine at a site where the wind speed is 10 m/s. The turbine radius is limited to 10 m.
Calculate:
• the turbine speed of rotation and
• the expected maximum power.
• Take air density to be 1.2 kg/m³.
9. The velocity near a solid surface (𝑢) is dependent on the wall shear stress (𝜏𝑤 ), fluid density (𝜌),
fluid viscosity (𝜇) and distance from the wall (𝑦). Arrange these variables in dimensionless form
to obtain the relationship between (𝑢) and (𝑦).
b) Dimensional analysis showed that the a pump power 𝑃, flow rate 𝑄, pump diameter 𝐷, rota-
tional speed 𝑁, fluid density 𝜌and fluid viscosity 𝜇can be used to form three dimensionless groups;
namely:
𝑄
Flow coefficient = 𝐷3 𝑁
𝑃
Power coefficient = 𝜌𝑁3 𝐷5
𝜌𝐷 2 𝑁
Reynolds Number = 𝜇
A prototype water pump has an impeller diameter of 0.6 m and is designed to pump 300 litre/s
at 750 rpm. A 0.3 m diameter model pump is tested in 20°C air at 1800 rpm, and Reynolds-number
effects are found to be negligible.
• For similar conditions, what will the volume flow of the model be in litre/s?
• If the model pump requires 0.082 hp to drive it, what horsepower is required for the
prototype?