Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Dimensional Analysis
And Similitude
3. Dimensional Analysis and
Similitude
3.1. Dimensional analysis and homogeneity
3.2. Similitude
3.2. Hydraulic models
Introduction
• Hydraulics/Fluid mechanics is an experimental science & is also a complex subject
• It is usually impossible to determine all the essential facts for a given fluid flow by
pure theory, &hence, dependence must often be placed up on experimental
investigations.
• The number of tests to be made can be greatly reduced by the systematic use of
Dimensional Analysis and the laws of similitude or similarity
Hydraulic structures or machines can be designed using:
i. Pure theory,
ii. Empirical methods,
iii. Semi-empirical methods: (mathematical formulations based on
theoretical concepts supported by suitably designed experiments)
iv. Physical models (Dimensional Analysis),
v. Mathematical models.
• Note that, Mathematical modelling techniques have progressed rapidly due to
the advent of high speed computers ,enabling the equation of motion coupled
with semi-empirical relationships to be solved for complex flow situations.
• such as pipe network analysis, pressure transients in pipe lines, unsteady flows in
rivers and estuaries, e.t.c
• There are many cases particularly where localized flow patterns can not be
mathematically modelled ,when physical models (Dimensional analysis) are still
needed
• There fore, without the technique of dimensional analysis in experimental and
computational progress in fluid mechanics would have been considerably
retarded
Dimensional analysis
• Dimensional Analysis is a mathematical technique, which makes use of the study of
dimension as an aid to the solution of several engineering problems.
• Each physical phenomenon can be Expressed by an equation giving relationship between
different quantities, such quantities are dimensional and non dimensional
• Dimensional analysis helps in determining a systematic arrangement of the variables in
the physical relationship, combining dimensional variables to form non-dimensional
parameters
• It is based on the principle of dimensional homogeneity and uses the dimensions of
relevant variables affecting the phenomenon
• Dimensional analysis has become an important tool for analyzing fluid flow problems
• It is especially useful in representing experimental results in a concise form
• Dimensional analysis also forms the basis for the design and operation of physical scale
models, which are used to predict the behavior of their full –sized counter parts called
‘prototypes’.
• Such models, which are generally geometrically similar to the prototype, are used in the
design of aircraft, ships, submarines, pumps, turbines, harbors, breakwaters, river and
estuary engineering works, spillways, etc.
F = C[D2 – d . V2 – d . ρ1 – d . µd ]
F = C[D2 V2 ρ(D– d . V– d . ρ– d . µd )] =
= = Φ (1/Re)
ii. Buckingham’s Pi-theorem
• It has been observed that the Rayleigh’s method of dimensional analysis becomes
bulky when more variables are involved. In order to overcome this, Buckingham’s
method may be used.
• It states that ” if there are n variables in a dimensionally homogeneous equation and if
these variables contain m fundamental dimensions such as ( M-L-T). They may be
grouped into (n minus m) non dimensional independent pi-terms.”
• The Buckingham - pi method is widely used in the dimensional analysis of a problem
and expresses the resulting equation in terms of dimensionless groups ( terms).
Rules:
1. If a phenomenon involves n variables and these variables are described by m
fundamental dimensions, they will produce n - m groups f1 (1,2,3... n-m)=constant;
2. Each - group should be a function of maximum of m+1 variable
3. m repeating variables are selected from amongst the n - variables so that in
combination contain m fundamental dimensions
Selection of repeating variables
i. from the describing the geometry of flow (Diameter, length)
ii. from the representing fluid properties (Density, viscosity, surface tension, elasticity,
vapor pressure)
iii. from the fluid motion (Velocity, acceleration, discharge, pressure, force, power)
It is conventional to select
length dimension for 1st group
Density dimension for 2nd group
Velocity dimension for 3rd group
4. The governing quantities must not combine among themselves to form dimensionless
groups.
And each -term is dimensionless, the final function must be dimensionless, and
therefore dimensionally homogeneous.
f (л1, л2, л3, …, лn-m) = M0 L0 T0
Example
Determine pi groups using the Buckingham's pi method for drag force in the previous
example.
Solution
3. Dynamic similarity
• It is the Similarity of forces involved in fluid motion.
• Dynamic Similarity is attained if the ratio of homologous forces in the model and
prototype are kept constant.
• The conditions required for complete similarity are developed form the
Newton 2nd law of motion
• The forces acting may be any one or a combination of several of the following:
(viscous, pressure, gravity, elasticity, surface tension, inertia forces e.t.c).
• Note: newton's law: Inertia force (Fi) is equal and opposite to the resultant forces
Forces influencing hydraulic phenomenon
• In practice, a mode is designed to study the effects of only a few dominant forces.
• Dynamic similarity requires that the ratios of these forces be kept the same between
the model and prototype
• The forces which may affect/ influence the flow characteristics of a problem are:
2
• Mathematically, Thus forces can be summarized as follows:
• In problems of(5 fluid flow, the inertia force will always exist and hence it is customary
to find out the force ratios with respect to the inertia forces, thus:
1. Inertia- to- viscous forces ratio
2. Froude number(Fr)
Inertial forces and gravity forces are considered to be the only dominant forces in
the fluid motion,
The ratio of inertia forces to gravity forces acting on the homologous elements of
the fluid in the model and prototype are :
This is used for the wave action setup by a ship, the flow of water in open channels, the
forces of a stream on a bridge pier, the flow of jet from an orifice, and so on.
3. Weber number (We)
The surface tension is a measure of energy level on the surface of a liquid body
The ratio of inertia forces to Surface tension forces is given by
Fi V 2 L2 V2
Fs L
L
The square root of this dimensionless ratio is known as WEBER NUMBE (We):
V
L
It is applied at the leading edge of a very thin sheet of liquid flowing over a surface. Like: