Chapter 2
Chapter 2
Chapter 2
CHAPTER TWO
2.1. INTRODUCTION
Hydraulics is an experimental science & is also a complex subject. Most phenomena involving
the movement of water are known to be dependent on many variables- geometric
characteristics, fluid properties and flow characteristics. Much of raw experimental data were
incomplete, ambiguous, & incorrectly taken.
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. Dimensional Analysis is a mathematical
technique, which makes use of the study of dimension as an aid to the solution of several
engineering problems
Dimension less grouping reduces the number of variables that have to be processed.
Dimension analysis can be used to obtain functional relationship among the variables in terms of
non- dimensional parameter. It helps in obtaining a systematic form of the variables involved in
the problem. However, dimensional analysis doesn’t give complete relationship; it gives only a
general relationship.
i) The purely theoretical approach in hydraulic engineering is limited to a few cases of laminar
flow, for example the Hagen Poisseuille equation for the hydraulic gradient in the laminar flow
of an incompressible fluid in a circular pipeline.
ii) Empirical methods are based on correlations between observed variables affecting a
particular physical system. Such relationships should only be used under similar circumstances
to those under which the data were collected. Due to the inability to express the physical
interaction of the parameters involved in mathematical terms some such methods are still in
use. One well-known example is in the relationship between wave heights, wind speed and
duration for the forecasting of ocean wave characteristics.
iii) A good example of a semi-empirical relationship is the Colebrook white equation for the
friction factors in turbulent flow in pipes (We will see it in chapter 4). This was obtained from
theoretical concepts and experiments designed on the basis of dimensional analysis; it is
universally applicable to all Newtonian fluids.
iV) 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 counterparts 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.
V) The mathematical modeling techniques have progressed rapidly due to the advance of high-
speed digital computers, enabling the equations of motion coupled with semi-empirical
relationships to be solved for complex flow situations such as pipe network analysis, pressure
transients in pipelines, unsteady flows in rivers and estuaries, etc., there are many cases,
particularly where localized flow patterns cannot be mathematically modeled, when physical
models are still needed.
Without the technique of dimensional analysis experimental and computational progress in fluid
mechanics would have been considerably retarded.
In dimensional analysis, from a general understanding of fluid phenomenon, one first predicts
the physical parameters that will influence the flow, and then by grouping these parameters in
dimension combinations, a better understanding of the flow phenomena is made possible.
Application of dimensional analysis:
Developing equations –reducing number of variables in an experiment.
Producing dimensionless parameters – establish the principle of model design.
FUNDAMENTAL DIMENSIONS
In an equation expressing physical relationship between quantities, absolute numerical and
dimension equality must exist. The magnitude of such quantities as mass, length, force,
acceleration etc are expressed differently in different units of measurement.
The mass, length, and time are independent of each other and their units of measurement are
prescribed by international standards and called fundamental quantities. The units of all other
quantities may be determined either from their definitions or from the physical laws describing
them.
In place of mass, the force is also sometimes considered as fundamental quantity. The force and
the mass are related by the Newton's second law as follows
F = m .a
F=m*a = (M) (LT-2)
Dimensional Homogeneity
Any equation describing a physical situation will only be true if both sides have the same
dimensions. That is it must be dimensionally homogenous. For example the equation which
gives for over a rectangular weir (derived earlier in this module) is, The SI
units of the left hand side are m3s-1. The units of the right hand side must be the same. Writing
the equation with only the SI units gives i.e. the units are consistent.
To be more strict, it is the dimensions which must be consistent (any set of units can be used
and simply converted using a constant). Writing the equation again in terms of dimensions,
Notice how the powers of the individual dimensions are equal, (for L
they are both 3, for T both -1). This property of dimensional homogeneity can be useful for:
The dimensional analysis is a power full tool in formulating problems of physical phenomenon. It
must be solved experimentally. The dimensional analysis accomplishes this by formation of
dimension-less groups containing relevant variables. There are several approaches for the
dimensional analysis. However, all the methods are absolutely dependent on the correct
identification of all the factors, which govern the physical event being analyzed.
The application of dimensional analysis to any practical problem is based on the assumption that
certain variable, which affect the phenomenon are independent variables, and all variables
other than these and the dependent variable, are irrelevant and have no bearing on the
phenomenon.
1. RAYLEIGH'S METHOD
It gives a special form of relationship among the dimensionless group, and has an inherent draw
back that it doesn't provide any information regarding the number of dimensionless groups to
be obtained as a result of dimensional analysis.
Procedure:
i. The functional r/s can be written as:
Y= f(X1 X2, X3, …,Xn)
ii. Any function can be expressed as a series of terms –each being made up of product of
variables brought to exponent.
Y = K[X1a,X2b,X3c,…Xnz]
iii. The exponents a, b, c… can be determined by dimensional homogeneity.
iv. Since there are three fundamental dimensions, only three simultaneous equations can
be formed.
v. The non-dimensional parameters are obtained by grouping variables with like exponent.
Example
A scale model test have been carried out on a new hydraulic machine, the experiment team has
been presented the following data
Thrust force F M1L1 T -2
The flow velocity V L1 T -1
Viscosity M L-1 T -1
Density ML-3
Size of system L L, are given
Produce meaning full dimensionless ratios
Solution:
The dimension less ratio should work equally for both model and prototype
i. F = ƒ (v, , , L,)
ii. F = K (VX µY Z L w ) K is a dimension less constant
iii. (M1 L1 T -2) = [(LT-1)X (M1 L-1 T-1) Y (M L-3 )Z ( L) W ]
Using the principles of dimensional homogeneity
x 2 y,
z 1 y,
w 2 y
There fore, F=K (V2-y, µy, 1-y,L2-y)
y
VL
iv. F = V L C
2 2
= V 2 L2
VL
F VL
v. = Φ (Re)
V L
2 2
F
On the basis of dimensional analysis is dependent only on the Reynolds number.
V 2 L2
2. BUCKINGHAM -π THEOREM
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).
☺ It arranges variables in dimensionless groups.
☺ It reduces the number of variable.
Rules:
(a) 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;
4.
5. The repeating variables should be chosen to be measurable in an experimental
investigation. They should be of major interest to the designer. For example,
pipe diameter (dimension L) is more useful and measurable than roughness
height (also dimension L).
1 , 2 , 3 ,, n m M 0 L0 T 0
f
L x1 M y1 z1 ML
1 =V L F M L T , 3 , L , 2
x1 y1 z1 0 0 0
T L T
L x2 M y2 z2 M
2 =V L M L T , 3 , L
x2 y2 z2 0 0 0
T L LT
F
1 =
V 2 L2
2 =
VL
F
, 0
V L VL
2 2
F VL
or
V L
2 2
VL
OR F= V 2 L2
Example-
1)Using the variables, Q, D, ΔH/L, ρ, μ, g as pertinent to smooth pipe flow, arrange them in to
dimension less parameters by the Buckingham’s π theorem.
Solution:
- The pertinent variables are
Q, D, ΔH/L, ρ, μ, and g
- Functional relation
ƒ (Q, D, ΔH/L, ρ, μ, g)
- Select the repeating variables
D, ρ, Q
- Write the pi – parameters
Hydraulic Models
The design of a major hydraulic system may be approached
It is known that even with modern computing facilities, many complex problems still challenge
complete theoretical analysis. A combination of past experience, theory and dimensional
analysis will provide partial or complete solution to a number of problems. However, there still
remain many problems, which are tractable only through experimentation. This will be done
through model studies of proposed hydraulic structures and machines.
Models permit visual observation of the flow and make it possible to obtain numerical data.
E.g. Calibrations of weirs and gates, depth of flow, velocity distributions, forces on gates,
efficiencies and capacities of pumps and turbines, pressure distribution and losses.
The main objectives achieved through dimensional analysis and subsequent model testing may
be:
The model may be larger, smaller or even of the same size as the prototype depending on type
of fluid used. The choice of the fluid and the geometrical scale will depend only by the practical
considerations. If complete similarity is to exist between the flow in the prototype and the flow
in its model, every dimensionless parameter referring to the conditions in the models must have
the same numerical value as the corresponding parameters referring to the prototype.
Hydraulic models may be either true or distorted. True models have all significant characteristic
of the prototype reproduced to scale (geometrically similar) and satisfy discharge restrictions
(kinematically and dynamically similar).
The models in which it is not possible to maintain geometric similarity is known as distorted
models
TYPES OF SIMILARITY
For complete similarity to exist between the model and prototype, they must be geometrically,
kinematically and dynamically similar.
GEOMETRIC SIMILARITY
It is the similarity of the shape (scale factor). It is obtained when the solid boundaries that
control the follow of fluid are geometrically similar. The model is a geometric reduction of the
prototype and is accomplished by maintaining a fixed ratio of all homologous lengths between
the model and prototype. These physical quantities are length, area, diameter, volume, etc.
HP
Bp MODEL
LP
PROTOTYPE
Area Ratio:
Ap Lp* * B p
Ar = L2r
Am Lm * Bm
Volume ratio:
Lp * Bp * H p
Vr = =Lr3
Lm * Bm * H m
KINEMATIC SIMILARITY
It is the similarity of motion. For kinematic similarity to exist, the streamline pattern in the
model must be the same as in its prototype. The ratios of kinematic quantities representing the
flow characteristics such as, time, velocity, acceleration, and discharge must be the same at all
corresponding points.
The velocity ratio is:
Vp
Vr =
Vm
Time scale ratio:
Tp Lr
Tr = {b/c T= L/V}
Tm Vr
DYNAMIC SIMILARITY
It is the Similarity of forces involved in motion. Dynamic Similarity is attained if the ratio of
homologous forces in the model and prototype are kept constant.
Fp
i.e. = Fr
Fm
The conditions required for complete similarity are developed form the Newton 2nd law of
motion F x ma x
The forces acting may be any one or a combination of several of the following: viscous, pressure,
gravity, elasticity, surface tension, inertia forces etc.
Forces (viscous pressure gravity elasticity surface tension)p m p a p
Forces (viscous pressure gravity elasticity surface tension)m mm am
F Fv Fg Fs Fp Fe RESULTANT Fi m. a
NOTE: Newton’s Law: Inertia force (Fi) is equal and opposite to the resultant forces.
F m.a p Fi p
p
F
(1)
m
m.a m Fi m
However, 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.
v2
Inertia force, Fi= m *a = 3 p 2 v 2
du v
Viscous force, Fv = حA = A * 2 . .
dy
Gravity force, Fg = m. g = .3 g
Pressure force, Fp = p. A = . 2
Elastic force, Fe = Ev.A= Ev. 2
Surface tension force, Fs = l
In problems of 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:
Fi F
i (2)
Fv m Fv p
Inertia-to gravity forces ratio
Fi
Fi (3)
F
g m Fg p
Inertia to elastic forces ratio
Fi F
i (4)
Fe m Fe p
Inertia- to surface tension forces ratio
Fi F
i (5
Fs m Fs p
Inertia -to pressure forces ratio
Fi
Fi (6)
F
p m Fp p
☺ When the two systems are geometrically, kinematically and dynamically similar, then they
are said to be completely similar or complete similitude exists b/n the two systems.
The above six equations are dimensionless groups. The significance of the dimensionless ratios is
discussed below:
A fluid in motion always involves inertia forces. If the inertial forces and viscous forces (example
pipe flow) can be considered to be the only forces that govern the motion, the ratio of these
forces acting on homologous particles in a model and its prototype is defined by the Reynolds
number.
Fi
Re = = (Inertial force)/(Viscous force)
Fv
L2V 2 VL
= LV (Non dimensional ratio)
VL
This is for flow of fluid in pipe. And also for airplane traveling at speed below that at
which compressibility of the air is appreciable. Further, for a submarine submerged far
enough so as not to produce waves on the surfaces.
This states that when the inertial force and the viscous force are considered to be the only
forces governing the motion, the Reynolds number of the model and of the prototype or of two
pipelines of different fluids, must be kept constant. Thus:
LV LV
Re m Re p
m p
V
The square root of this ratio is known as Froude number.
gL
V
Therefore, Fr =
gL
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.
In open hydraulic structures
Spill way
Weirs
Channel transitions.
Sluices etc
For dynamically similitude model and prototype:
V
Fr (mod el ) Fr ( proto) V
gL gL
m p
p L p
The surface tension is a measure of energy level on the surface of a liquid body. The force is of
primary importance in hydraulic engineering practice in the study of small surface waves or
control of evaporation from a large body of water, such as water storage tank / reservoir.
In river and harbor models reduction of scale often leads to appreciable viscous and capillary
effects in the shallow regions of flow. The depth of flow in such cases should be sufficiently large
so that capillary effects are negligible.
The ratio of Inertia to Surface tension forces in prototype and model is:
Fi V 2 L2 V2
Fs L
L
The square root of this dimensionless ratio is known as WEBER NUMBE (We):
V
We=
L
It is applied at the leading edge of a very thin sheet of liquid flowing over a surface. Like:
Capillary movement of water in solids.
Flow of liquid at a very small depth over a surface.
Flow over weir at very small heads.
Spray of liquid from the exit of discharging tube resulting in the formation of drops
of liquids.
The Mach number can be regarded as the ratio of inertia and elastic forces. In problems where
the compressibility of the fluid becomes important, the elastic force must be considered. The
high-speed motion through air causes compressibility effect (elastic force). The Mach number is
therefore, measures of the effects of compressibility.
Aerodynamic testing.
Flow gases exceeding the velocity of sound.
Water hammer problems. (Design of surge tanks).
The ratio of Inertia forces& elastic forces in prototype and model is:
Fi L2V 2 V 2
Fe EL2 E
The square root of this dimensionless number is known as
MACH NUMBER (M). Thus:
V V
M
E C
This is for fluid velocity (or velocity of the body through a stationary fluid) to that of a
sound wave in the same medium.
C is the sonic velocity (or celerity) in the given medium.
The ratio of Inertia forces to pressure forces for both prototype and model is given by:
Fi V 2 L2 V 2
Fp PL2 P
The square root of this dimensionless number is known as EULER NUMBER (Eu).
Thus:
V V V
Eu
2 P
2 g P
P
Examples
1) A 1:10 scale model of water supply piping system is to be tested at 20 0C to determine the
total head loss in the prototype that carries water at 850C. The prototype is designed to
carry 5.0m3/s discharge with 1m diameter pipes. Determine the model discharge and model
velocity. Discuss how losses determined from the model are converted to proto type loss.
2) An over flow spillway is designed to be 100m high and 120mlong, carrying a discharge of
1200 m3/5 under an approaching head of 2.75m. The spillway operation is to be analyzed by
a 1:50 model in a hydraulic laboratory. Determine
The model discharge,
If the discharge coefficient at the model crests measures 2.12, what is the prototype
crest discharge coefficient?
If the velocity at the outlet of the model spill way measures 25m/s, what is the
prototype velocity?
3) A 1:50 scale model is constructed to a study a gate prototype that is designed to drain a
reservoir. If the model reservoir is drained in 5.2 min, how long should if take to drain the
reservoir?
4) A 1 m long 1:50 model is used to study the wave force on a prototype of a sea wall structure.
If the total wave force measured on the model is 2.27 N and the velocity scale is 1: 10,
determine the force per unit length of the prototype.
a) Reynold’s Model laws: inertia & viscous forces are the only predominant forces. The
similarity of flow in the model & its prototype can be established if the Reynold’s number is
the same for both systems.
m vm Lm p V p Lp p V p Lp m
. . . 1
m p m Vm Lm p
r .Vr .Lr V .L
1 r r
r r
b) Froude Model Law: when gravitational force is added to the inertia force, the only
predominant force which controls the motion, the similarity of flow in any two such systems
(model &prototype) can be established if the Froude number for both the system is the same.
F r mod el F r prototype.
Vm Vp
g m Lm g p .L p
Vr
1 or Vr g r L r Lr
g r Lr
Pr
Vr
r
TYPES OF MODELS
In general hydraulic models can be classified under two broad categories
I) Undistorted models
II) Distorted models
When different scale ratios are adopted for the longitudinal, transverse, & vertical dimensions;
then it is known as distortion of dimensions.
It is adopted in river models where a different slope ratio for depth is adopted.
The distortion of configuration results when the general configuration of the model doesn’t
have resemblance with its prototype. If a river model has different bed slope ratio, this is
distortion of configuration.
The material distortion is occurred when the physical properties of the material used in the
model and prototype are different.
The distortion of hydraulic quantities is occurred for certain uncontrollable hydraulic quantities
such as time, discharge etc
Distorted models are required to be prepared for rivers, dams across very wide rivers, harbors,
and estuaries etc. for which the horizontal dimensions are large in proportion to the vertical
ones.
The following are some of the reasons for adopting distorted models:
a) to maintain accuracy in vertical measurements;
b) to maintain turbulent flow;
c) to obtain suitable bed material & its adequate movement;
d) to obtain suitable roughness condition;
e) to accommodate the available facilities such as space, money, water
supply & time.