Chapter Two Fluid Flow Dimensional Analysis

CHPTER TWO
Dimensional Analysis
2.1 Introduction
Any phenomenon in physical sciences and engineering can be described by the
fundamentals dimensions mass, length, time, and temperature. Till the rapid
development of science and technology the engineers and scientists depend upon the
experimental data. But the rapid development of science and technology has created new
mathematical methods of solving complicated problems, which could not have been
solved completely by analytical methods and would have consumed enormous time.
This mathematical method of obtaining the equations governing certain natural
phenomenon by balancing the fundamental dimensions is called (Dimensional Analysis).
Of course, the equation obtained by this method is known as (Empirical Equation).
2.2 Fundamental Dimensions
The various physical quantities used by engineer and scientists can be expressed
in terms of fundamental dimensions are: Mass (M), Length (L), Time (T), and
Temperature (θ). All other quantities such as area, volume, acceleration, force, energy,
etc., are termed as “derived quantities”.
2.3 Dimensional Homogeneity
Any equation is called “dimensionally homogeneous” if the fundamental
dimensions have identical powers of [L T M] (i.e. length, time, and mass) on both sides.
Such an equation be independent of the system of measurement (i.e. metric, English, or
S.I.). Let consider the common equation of volumetric flow rate,
Q=A u
L3T-1 = L2 LT-1 = L3T-1.
We see, from the above equation that both right and left hand sides of the equation
have the same dimensions, and the equation is therefore dimensionally homogeneous.
Example -2.1-
a) Determine the dimensions of the following quantities in M.L.T system 1- force 2-
pressure 3- work 4- power 5- surface tension 6- discharge 7- torque 8- momentum.
b) Check the dimensional homogeneity of the following equations
2 g(  m   )z 8  5

1- u  2- Q  cd tan 2 g Z 2
 15 2

Solution:
a)
1- F = m.g (kg.m/s2) ≡ [MLT-2]
2- P=F/A ≡ [(MLT-2) (L-2)] (Pa) ≡ [ML-1T-2]
3- Work = F.L ≡ [(MLT-2) (L)] (N.m ≡ J) ≡ [ML2T-2]
4- Power = Work/time ≡ [(ML2T-2) (T-1)] (W) ≡ [ML2T-3]
5- Surface tension = F/L ≡ [(MLT-2) (L-1)] (N/m) ≡ [MT-2]
1-Ch.2 Dr. Salah S. Ibrahim
Chapter Two Fluid Flow Dimensional Analysis

6- Discharge (Q) m3/s ≡ [L3T-1]

7- Torque (Γ) = F.L ≡ [(MLT-2) (L)] N.m ≡ [ML2T-2]
8- Momentum = m.u [(M)(LT-1)] kg.m/s ≡ [MLT-1]
2 g(  m   )z
b) 1- u 

L.H.S. u ≡ [LT-1]
1/ 2
2 g(  m   )z  LT  2 ( ML 3 )( L ) 
R.H.S. ≡  ≡ [LT-1]
  ML 3 
Since the dimensions on both sides of the equation are same, therefore the equation
is dimensionally homogenous.
8  5
2- Q  cd tan 2 g Z 2
15 2
L.H.S. Q ≡ [L3T-1]
8  5
R.H.S. cd tan 2 g Z 2 ≡ (LT-2)1/2 (L)5/2 ≡ [L3T-1]
15 2
This equation is dimensionally homogenous.
2.4 Methods of Dimensional Analysis
Dimensional analysis, which enables the variables in a problem to be grouped into
form of dimensionless groups. Thus reducing the effective number of variables. The
method of dimensional analysis by providing a smaller number of independent groups is
most helpful to experimenter.
Many methods of dimensional analysis are available; two of these methods are
given here, which are:
1- Rayleigh’s method (or Power series)
2- Buckingham’s method (or Π-Theorem)
2.4.1 Rayleigh’s method (or Power series)
In this method, the functional relationship of some variable is expressed in the
form of an exponential equation, which must be dimensionally homogeneous. If (y) is
some function of independent variables (x1, x2, x3, ………etc.), then functional
relationship may be written as;
y = f (x1, x2, x3, ………etc.)
The dependent variable (y) is one about which information is required; whereas
the independent variables are those, which govern the variation of dependent variables.
The Rayleigh’s method is based on the following steps: -
1- First of all, write the functional relationship with the given data.
2- Now write the equation in terms of a constant with exponents i.e. powers a, b, c,...
3- With the help of the principle of dimensional homogeneity, find out the values of
a, b, c, … by obtaining simultaneous equation and simplify it.
4- Now substitute the values of these exponents in the main equation, and simplify it.
2-Ch.2 Dr. Salah S. Ibrahim
Chapter Two Fluid Flow Dimensional Analysis

Example -2.2-
If the capillary rise (h) depends upon the specific weight (γ) surface tension (σ) of the
liquid and tube radius (r) show that:
  
h  r   , where  is any function.
2 
 r 
Solution:
Capillary rise (h) m ≡ [L]
Specific weight (γ) N/m3 (MLT-2 L-3) ≡ [ML-2T-2]
Surface tension (σ) N/m (MLT-2 L-1) ≡ [MT-2]
Tube radius (r) m ≡ [L]
h = f (γ, σ, r)
h = k (γ a. σb. rc)
[L] = [ML-2T-2]a [MT-2]b[L]c
Now by the principle of dimensional homogeneity, equating the power of M, L, T on
both sides of the equation
For M 0=a+b ⇒ a=–b
For L 1=–2a+c ⇒ c = 1+2a = 1-2b
For T 0=–2a–2b ⇒ a=–b
h = k (γ –b. σb. r1-2b)
b
     
h  k r   ∴ h  r  
2 
 r  r 
2

Example -2.3-
Prove that the resistance (F) of a sphere of diameter (d) moving at a constant speed (u)
through a fluid density (ρ) and dynamic viscosity (μ) may be expressed as:
2   u d
F   , where  is any function.
   
Solution:
Resistance (F) N ≡ [MLT-2]
Diameter (d) m ≡ [L]
Speed (u) m/s ≡ [LT-1]
Density (ρ) kg/m3 ≡ [ML-3]
Viscosity (μ) kg/m.s ≡ [ML-1 T-1]

F = f (d, u, ρ, μ)
F = k (da. ub. ρc. μd)
[MLT-2] = [L]a [LT-1]b[ML-3]c[ML-1T-1]d
For M 1=c+d ⇒ c =1 – d ----------------(1)
For L 1 = a + b – 3c – d ----------------(2)
For T –2=–b–d ⇒ b=2–d ----------------(3)

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Chapter Two Fluid Flow Dimensional Analysis

Substituting equations (1) and (2) in equation (3) give

a = 1 – b + 3c + d = 1 – (2 – d) + 3 (1 – d) + d = 2 – d
F = k (d2-d. u2-d. ρ1-d. μd) = k {(d2 u2 ρ) (μ / ρ u d)d} ---------x {(ρ/ μ2) / (ρ/ μ2)}
F = k {(d2 u2 ρ2 / μ2) (μ / ρ u d)d (μ2 / ρ)}
2   u d
∴ F  
   
Example -2.4-
The thrust (P) (‫ )قوة الدفع‬of a propeller depends upon diameter (D); speed (u) through a
fluid density (ρ); revolution per minute (N); and dynamic viscosity (μ) Show that:
  DN 
P  (  D 2 u 2 ) f ( ),( )  , where f is any function.
  Du u 
Solution:
Thrust (P) N ≡ [MLT-2]
Diameter (D) m ≡ [L]
Speed (u) m/s ≡ [LT-1]
Density (ρ) kg/m3 ≡ [ML-3]
Rev. per min. (N) min-1 ≡ [T-1]
Viscosity (μ) kg/m.s ≡ [ML-1 T-1]

P = f (D, u, ρ, N, μ)
P = k (Da. ub. ρc. Nd. μe)
[MLT-2] = [L]a [LT-1]b[ML-3]c[T-1]d[ML-1T-1]e
For M 1=c+e ⇒ c =1 – e --------------(1)
For L 1 = a + b – 3c – e ⇒ a = 1– b + 3c + e --------------(2)
For T – 2 = – b – d– e ⇒ b=2–e–d --------------(3)
Substituting equations (1) and (3) in equation (2) give
a = 1 – (2 – e – d) + 3 (1 – e) + e = 2 – e + d
P = k (D2-e+d. u2-e-d. ρ1-e. Nd. μe)
   e  D N  d 
P  (  D u ) k 
2 2
 ,  
  D u   u  
  DN 
∴ P  (  D 2 u 2 ) f ( ),( )
  Du u 

4-Ch.2 Dr. Salah S. Ibrahim

Chapter Two Fluid Flow Dimensional Analysis

Home Work
P.2.1
Show, by dimensional analysis, that the power (P) developed by a hydraulic
 N 2 D2 
turbine is given by; P  (  N D ) f (
3 5
)  where (ρ) is the fluid density, (N)
 gH 
is speed of rotation in r.p.m., (D) is the diameter of runner, (H) is the working head, and
(g) is the gravitational acceleration.
P.2.2
The resistance (R) experienced by a partially submerged body depends upon the
velocity (u), length of the body (L), dynamic viscosity (μ) and density (ρ) of the fluid,
and gravitational acceleration (g). Obtain a dimensionless expression for (R).
  Lg 
Ans. R  (u 2 L2  ) f  ( ), ( 2 ) 
 uLg u 
P.2.3
Using Rayleigh’s method to determine the rational formula for discharge (Q)
through a sharp-edged orifice freely into the atmosphere in terms of head (h), diameter
(d), density (ρ), dynamic viscosity (μ), and gravitational acceleration (g).
 
  h 
Ans. Q  (d 2
g h) f (

), ( )
3 1
d 
  d g
2 2 

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Chapter Two Fluid Flow Dimensional Analysis

2.4.2 Buckingham’s method (or Π-Theorem)

It has been observed that the Rayleigh’s method of dimensional analysis becomes
cumbersome, when a large number of variables are involved. In order to overcome this
difficulty, the Buckingham’s method may be convenient used. It states that “If there are
(n) variables in a dimensionally homogeneous equation, and if these variables contain
(m) fundamental dimensions such as (MLT) they may be grouped into (n-m) non-
dimensional independent Π-terms”.
Mathematically, if a dependent variable X1 depends upon independent variables
(X2, X3, X4, ………. Xn), the functional equation may be written as:
X1 = k (X2, X3, X4, ………. Xn)
This equation may be written in its general form as;
f (X1, X2, X3, ………. Xn) = 0
In this equation, there are n variables. If there are m fundamental dimensions, then
according to Buckingham’s Π-theorem;
f1 (Π 1, Π 2, Π 3, ………. Π n-m) = 0
The Buckingham’s Π-theorem is based on the following steps:
1. First of all, write the functional relationship with the given data.
2. Then write the equation in its general form.
3. Now choose m repeating variables (or recurring set) and write separate
expressions for each Π-term. Every Π-term will contain the repeating variables
and one of the remaining variables. Just the repeating variables are written in
exponential form.
4. With help of the principle of dimensional homogeneity find out the values of
powers a, b, c, …… by obtaining simultaneous equations.
5. Now substitute the values of these exponents in the Π-terms.
6. After the Π-terms are determined, write the functional relation in the required
form.
Note:-
Any Π-term may be replaced by any power of it, because the power of a non-
dimensional term is also non-dimensional e.g. Π1 may be replaced by Π12, Π13,
Π10.5,……. or by 2Π1, 3Π1, Π1/2, ……etc.

2.4.2.1 Selection of repeating variables

In the previous section, we have mentioned that we should choose (m) repeating
variables and write separate expressions for each Π-term. Though there is no hard or fast
rule for the selection of repeating variables, yet the following points should be borne in
mind while selecting the repeating variables:

6-Ch.2 Dr. Salah S. Ibrahim

Chapter Two Fluid Flow Dimensional Analysis

1. The variables should be such that none of them is dimensionless.

2. No two variables should have the same dimensions.
3. Independent variables should, as far as possible, be selected as repeating
variables.
4. Each of the fundamental dimensions must appear in at least one of the m
variables.
5. It must not possible to form a dimensionless group from some or all the variables
within the repeating variables. If it were so possible, this dimensionless group
would, of course, be one of the Π-term.
6. In general, the selected repeating variables should be expressed as the following:
(1) representing the flow characteristics, (2) representing the geometry and
(3) representing the physical properties of fluid.
7. In case of that the example is held up, then one of the repeating variables should
be changed.
Example -2.5-
By dimensional analysis, obtain an expression for the drag force (F) on a partially
submerged body moving with a relative velocity (u) in a fluid; the other variables being
the linear dimension (L), surface roughness (e), fluid density (ρ), and gravitational
acceleration (g).
Solution:
Drag force (F) N ≡ [MLT-2]
Relative velocity (u) m/s ≡ [LT-1]
Linear dimension (L) m ≡ [L]
Surface roughness (e) m ≡ [L]
Density (ρ) kg/m 3
≡ [ML-3]
Acceleration of gravity (g) m/s2 ≡ [L T-2]

F = k (u, L, e, ρ, g)
f (F, u, L, e, ρ, g) = 0

n = 6, m = 3, ⇒ Π = n – m = 6 – 3 = 3
No. of repeating variables = m = 3
The selected repeating variables is (u, L, ρ)
Π1 = ua1 Lb1 ρc1 F --------------(1)
Π2 = ua2 Lb2 ρc2 e --------------(2)
Π3 = ua3 Lb3 ρc3 g --------------(3)
For Π1 equation (1)
[M0 L0 T0] = [L T-1]a1 [L]b1[ML-3]c1[MLT-2]

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Chapter Two Fluid Flow Dimensional Analysis

Now applied dimensional homogeneity

For M 0 = c1 + 1 ⇒ c1 = – 1
For T 0 = – a1 – 2 ⇒ a1 = – 2
For L 0 = a1 + b1 – 3c1+ 1 ⇒ b1 = – 2
F
Π1 = u-2 L-2 ρ-1 F  1 
u L2 
2

For Π2 equation (2)

[M0 L0 T0] = [L T-1]a2 [L]b2[ML-3]c2[L]

For M 0 = c2 ⇒ c2 = 0
For T 0 = – a2 ⇒ a2 = 0
For L 0 = a2 + b2 – 3c2+ 1 ⇒ b2 = – 1
e
Π2 = L-1 e  2 
L
For Π3 equation (3)
[M0 L0 T0] = [L T-1]a3 [L]b3[ML-3]c3[L T-2]

For M 0 = c3 ⇒ c3 = 0
For T 0 = – a3 – 2 ⇒ a3 = – 2
For L 0 = a3 + b3 – 3c3+ 1 ⇒ b3 = 1
Lg
Π3 = u-2 L g  3 
u2
F e Lg
f1 (Π 1, Π 2, Π 3) = 0 ⇒ f1( , , 2 )=0
u L  L u
22

e Lg
∴ F  u 2 L2  f ( , )
L u2
Example -2.6-
Prove that the discharge (Q) over a spillway (‫ (قناة لتصريف فائض المياه من سد او نهر‬is given
gD H
by the relation Q  u D 2 f ( , ) where (u) velocity of flow (D) depth at the throat,
u D
(H), head of water, and (g) gravitational acceleration.
Solution:
Discharge (Q) m3/s ≡ [L3T-1]
Velocity (u) m/s ≡ [LT-1]
Depth (D) m ≡ [L]
Head of water (H) m ≡ [L]
Acceleration of gravity (g) m/s 2
≡ [L T-2]

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Chapter Two Fluid Flow Dimensional Analysis

Q = k (u, D, H, g)
f (Q, u, D, H, g) = 0

n = 5, m = 2, ⇒ Π = n – m = 5 – 2 = 3
No. of repeating variables = m = 2
The selected repeating variables is (u, D)
Π1 = ua1 Db1 Q --------------(1)
Π2 = ua2 Db2 H --------------(2)
Π3 = ua3 Db3 g --------------(3)
For Π1 equation (1)
[M0 L0 T0] = [L T-1]a1 [L]b1[L3T-1]

For T 0 = – a1 – 1 ⇒ a1 = – 1
For L 0 = a1 + b1 +3 ⇒ b1 = – 2
Q
Π1 = u-1 D-2 Q  1 
u D2

For Π2 equation (2)

[M0 L0 T0] = [L T-1]a2 [L]b2[L]

For T 0 = – a2 ⇒ a2 = 0
For L 0 = a2 + b2 + 1 ⇒ b2 = – 1
H
Π2 = D-1 H  2 
D
For Π3 equation (3)
[M0 L0 T0] = [L T-1]a3 [L]b3 [L T-2]

For T 0 = – a3 – 2 ⇒ a3 = – 2
For L 0 = a3 + b3 + 1 ⇒ b3 = 1
Dg gD
Π3 = u-2 D g  3   {Since it is dimensionless}
u2 u

Q H Dg
f1 (Π 1, Π 2, Π 3) = 0 ⇒ f1( 2 , , )
uD D u
gD H
∴ Q  u D2 f ( , )
u D

9-Ch.2 Dr. Salah S. Ibrahim

Chapter Two Fluid Flow Dimensional Analysis

Example -2.7-
gH 
Show that the discharge of a centrifugal pump is given by Q  N D 3 f ( , )
N D ND 2 
2 2

where (N) is the speed of the pump in r.p.m., (D) the diameter of impeller, (g)
gravitational acceleration, (H) manometric head, (μ), (ρ) are the dynamic viscosity and
the density of the fluid.
Solution:
Discharge (Q) m3/s ≡ [L3T-1]
Pump speed (N) r.p.m. ≡ [T-1]
Diameter of impeller (D) m ≡ [L]
Acceleration of gravity (g) m/s 2
≡ [L T-2]
Head of manometer (H) m ≡ [L]
Viscosity (μ) kg/m.s ≡ [ML-1 T-1]
Density (ρ) kg/m3 ≡ [ML-3]

Q = k (N, D, g, H, μ, ρ)
f (Q, N, D, g, H, μ, ρ) = 0

n = 7, m = 3, ⇒ Π = n – m = 7 – 3 = 4
No. of repeating variables = m = 3
The selected repeating variables is (N, D, ρ)
Π1 = Na1 Db1 ρc1 Q --------------(1)
Π2 = Na2 Db2 ρc2 g --------------(2)
Π3 = Na3 Db3 ρc3 H --------------(3)
Π4 = Na4 Db4 ρc4 μ --------------(4)
For Π1 equation (1)
[M0 L0 T0] = [T-1]a1 [L]b1[ML-3]c1[L3 T-1]

For M 0 = c1 ⇒ c1 = 0
For T 0 = – a1 – 1 ⇒ a1 = – 1
For L 0 = b1 – 3c1+ 3 ⇒ b1 = – 3
Q
Π1 = N-1 D-3 Q  1 
N D3

For Π2 equation (2)

[M0 L0 T0] = [T-1]a2 [L]b2[ML-3]c2[LT-2]

For M 0 = c2 ⇒ c2 = 0
For T 0 = – a2 – 2 ⇒ a2 = – 2
10-Ch.2 Dr. Salah S. Ibrahim
Chapter Two Fluid Flow Dimensional Analysis

For L 0 = b2 – 3c2+ 1 ⇒ b2 = – 1
g
Π2 = N-2 D-1 g  2 
N 2D
For Π3 equation (3)
[M0 L0 T0] = [T-1]a3 [L]b3[ML-3]c3[L]

For M 0 = c3 ⇒ c3 = 0
For T 0 = – a3 ⇒ a3 = 0
For L 0 = b3 – 3c3+ 1 ⇒ b3 = – 1
H
Π3 = D-1 H  3 
D
For Π4 equation (4)
[M0 L0 T0] = [T-1]a4 [L]b4[ML-3]c4[ML-1T-1]

For M 0 = c4 + 1 ⇒ c4 = – 1
For T 0 = – a4 – 1 ⇒ a4 = – 1
For L 0 = b4 – 3c4 – 1 ⇒ b4 = – 2

Π4 = N-1 D-2 ρ-1 μ  4 
ND 2 

Q g H 
f1 (Π 1, Π 2, Π 3, Π 4) = 0 ⇒ f1( 3 , , , )=0
N D N D D ND 2 
2

Since the product of two Π-terms is dimensionless, therefore replace the term Π2 and
gH
Π3 by
N 2D2
Q gH  gH 
 f( 3 , 2 , ) ∴ Q  ND 3 f ( 2 , )
ND N D ND 2 
2
N D ND 2 
2

Note:
The expression outside the bracket may be multiplied or divided by any amount,
whereas the expression inside the bracket should not be multiplied or divided. e.g.
π/4, sin θ, tan θ/2, …. etc.

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Chapter Two Fluid Flow Dimensional Analysis

2.5 Dimensions of some important variables

Item Property Symbol SI Units M.L.T.
1- Velocity u m/s LT-1
2- Angular velocity ω Rad/s, Deg/s T-1
3- Rotational velocity N Rev/s T-1
4- Acceleration a, g m/s2 LT-2
5- Angular acceleration α s-2 T-2
6- Volumetric flow rate Q m3/s L3T-1
7- Discharge Q m3/s L3T-1
8- Mass flow rate m kg/s MT-1
9- Mass (flux) velocity G kg/m2.s ML-2T-1
10- Density ρ kg/m3 ML-3
11- Specific volume υ m3/kg L3M
12- Specific weight sp.wt N/m3 ML-2T-2
13- Specific gravity sp.gr [-] [-]
14- Dynamic viscosity μ kg/m.s, Pa.s ML-1T-1
15- Kinematic viscosity ν m2/s L2T-1
16- Force F N MLT-2
17- Pressure P N/m2≡Pa ML-1T-2
18- Pressure gradient ΔP/L Pa/m ML-2T-2
19- Shear stress τ N/m2 ML-1T-2
20- Shear rate  s-1 T-1
21- Momentum M kg.m/s MLT-1
22- Work W N.m≡J ML2T-2
23- Moment M N.m≡J ML2T-2
24- Torque Γ N.m≡J ML2T-2
25- Energy E J ML2T-2
26- Power P J/s≡W ML2T-3
27- Surface tension σ N/m MT-2
28- Efficiency η [-] [-]
29- Head h m L
30- Modulus of elasticity ε, K Pa ML-1T-2

English Units SI Units

g = 32.741 ft/s2 g = 9.81 m/s2
gc =32.741 lbm.ft/lbf.s2 gc =1.0 kg.m/N.s2

psi ≡ lbf/in2 Pa ≡ Pascal = N/m2 bar = 105 Pa

1.0 atm = 1.01325 bar = 1.01325*105 Pa = 101.325 kPa = 14.7 psi = 760 torr (mmHg)
≈ 1.0 kg/cm2

R = 8.314 (Pa.m3/mol.K) or (J/mol.K) = 82.06 (atm.cm3/mol.K) =10.73 (psi.ft3/lbmol.R)

= 1.987 (cal/mol.K) = 1.986 (Btu/lbmol.R) = 1545 (lbf.ft/lbmol.R)

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Chapter Two Fluid Flow Dimensional Analysis

2.6 Dimensionless Groups

The numerical value of a dimensionless group is independent of the units chosen
for the primary quantities, provided consistent units are used within that group.
Symbol Name Definition Significance Application

Ar ,or Archimedes,  (  s   ) gd 3 ( Inertia  Gravity Forces ) Gravitational settling

Ga or Galileo 2 (Viscous Forces ) 2 of particle in fluid

P Pr essure Forcess Pressure and

Eu Euler  u2 Inertia Forces momentum in fluid

u2 Inertia Forces Fluid flow with free

Fr Froude Gravity Forces
gd surface

u Inertia Forces Gas flow at high

Ma Mach uw Elasticity Forces velocity

P Actual Power Power consumption for

NP Power No.  N3 d5 Theoretical Power mixers

ud Inertia Forces

Re Reynolds  Viscous Forces
Fluid flow

 u2 d Inertia Forces Fluid flow with

We Weber
 Surface Tension Forces interfacial forces

Basic (Ф),  P d
Ф=f/2 Fanning (f),  Shear Stress Forcess
u 2
L  u2 Fluid drag at surface
=f’/8 Moody (f’) Inertia Forces
friction factor

where
Inertia forces ∝ ρ u2 d2
Viscous forces ∝ud
Gravity forces ∝ ρ d3 g
Surface tension forces ∝d
Shear stress forces ∝  d2
Pressure forces ∝ ΔP d2

In some references Ga = Re2/Fr , Ar = Ga  Δρ/ρ

13-Ch.2 Dr. Salah S. Ibrahim
Chapter Two Fluid Flow Dimensional Analysis

2.7 Similitude or (Similarity)

Usually it is impossible to determine all essential facts for a given fluid flow by
pure theory alone, and so we must be often depended on experimental investigations.
The use of dimensional analysis and the laws of similitude or similarity can
greatly reduce the number of tested needed by systematically.
The similitude (similarity) laws enable us to experiment with a convenient fluid
such as water or air, for example, and then apply the results to a fluid that is less
convenient to work with such as hydrogen, steam or oil.
2.7.1 Geometric Similarity
The solid boundaries of a system may be described by a number of length L1, L2,
L3 … If these lengths are divided by L1, the system may defined L1, r2, r3, …, where
r2 = L2/L1 r3 = L3/L1 ….
Geometric similarity exist between solid systems if the ratios r 2, r3, …, are the
same for each system.
2.7.2 Kinematic Similarity
Kinematic similarity refers to the motion occurring in the system and considers
the existing velocities. Kinematic similarity exists in two geometrically similar systems I
and II if the velocities at the same relative point in each system can be related as follows.
y
(u/v)I = (u/v)II and (u/w)I = (u/w)II z
where u, v, and w, are velocities in x, y, z directions respectively x
2.7.3 Dynamic Similarity
Dynamic similarity considers the relationship between the inertial, shear, surface
tension, and gravitational forces in two systems. In geometrically similar systems
dynamic similarity is said to exist at the same relative point in each system if
(Inertia force / Viscous force)I = (Inertia force / Viscous force)II
(Inertia force / Gravity force)I = (Inertia force / Gravity force)II

14-Ch.2 Dr. Salah S. Ibrahim

Chapter Two Fluid Flow Dimensional Analysis

Home Work
P.2.4
The resisting force (F) of a supersonic plane during flight can be considered as
dependent upon the length of the air craft (L), Velocity (u), air dynamic viscosity (μ), air
density (ρ), and bulk modulus of elasticity of air (ε). Express, by dimensional analysis,
the functional relationship between these variables and the resisting force.
   
Ans. F  (  L2 u 2 ) f  ( ),( 2 
 Lu  u 
dP
Note: Expressing bulk modulus of elasticity in the form of an equation   V where
dV
P is pressure and V is volume. This mean (ε) is a measure of the increment change in
pressure (dP) which takes place when a volume of fluid (V) is changed by an
incremental amount (dV). Since arise in pressure always causes a decrease in volume,
i.e. (dV) is always negative and so the minus sign comes in the equation to give a
positive value of (ε).
where (ρ) is the fluid density, (N) is speed of rotation in r.p.m., (D) is the diameter
of runner, (H) is the working head, and (g) is the gravitational acceleration.
P.2.5
The efficiency (η) of a fan depends upon density (ρ), and dynamic viscosity (μ),
of the fluid, angular velocity (ω), diameter of the rotator (D), and discharge (Q). Express
  Q 
(η) in terms of dimensionless groups. Ans.   f  ( ), ( )
 D
2
 D 3 
P.2.6
The pressure drop (ΔP) in a pipe depends upon the mean velocity of flow (u),
length of pipe (L), diameter of pipe (d), the fluid density (ρ), and dynamic viscosity (μ),
average height of roughness on inside pipe surface (e). By using Buckingham’s Π-
L u2
theorem obtain a dimensionless expression for (ΔP). And show that h f  4 f where
d 2g
P
(hf) is the head loss due to friction ( ) and (f) is the dimensionless fanning friction
g
factor.
P.2.7
The Power (P) required to drive the pump depends upon the diameter (D), the
angular velocity (ω), the discharge (Q), and the fluid density (ρ). Drive expression for
  D3 
(P) by dimensional analysis. Ans. P   3  D 5 f  ( ) 
 Q 

15-Ch.2 Dr. Salah S. Ibrahim