DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

II YEAR III SEMESTER

CE3391-FLUID MECHANICS AND MACHINERY
PART A ANSWERS
UNIT – I FLUID PROPERTIES AND FLOW CHARACTERISTICS
1. Define fluids
Fluid may be defined as a substance which is capable of flowing. It has no definite shape of
its own, but confirms to the shape of the containing vessel.
2. What are the properties of ideal fluid?
Ideal fluids have following properties
i) It is incompressible
ii) It has zero viscosity
iii) Shear force is zero
3. What are the properties of real fluid?
Real fluids have following properties
i) It is compressible
ii) They are viscous in nature
iii) Shear force exists always in such fluids.
4. Define density and specific weight.
Density is defined as mass per unit volume (kg/m3)
Specific weight is defined as weight possessed per unit volume (N/m3)
5. Define Specific volume and Specific Gravity.
Specific volume is defined as volume of fluid occupied by unit mass (m3/kg)
Specific gravity is defined as the ratio of specific weight of fluid to the specific weight of
standard fluid.
6. 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.
7. Define Viscosity.
It is defined as the property of a liquid due to which it offers resistance to the movement of one
layer of liquid over another adjacent layer.
8. Define kinematic viscosity.
It is defined as the ratio of dynamic viscosity to mass density. (m²/sec)
9. Define Relative or Specific viscosity.
It is the ratio of dynamic viscosity of fluid to dynamic viscosity of water at20°C.

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10. Define Compressibility.
It is the property by virtue of which fluids undergoes a change in volume under the action of
external pressure.
11. Define Newton’s law of Viscosity.
According to Newton’s law of viscosity the shear force F acting between two layers of fluid
is proportional to the difference in their velocities du and area A of the plate and inversely
proportional to the distance between them.
12. 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.
13. 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
14. What is momentum equation?
It is based on the law of conservation of momentum or on the momentum principle It states
that, the net force acting on a fluid mass is equal to the change in momentum of flow per unit
time in that direction
15. What are the assumptions made in continuity equation?
 The tube is having a single entry and single exit
 The fluid flowing in the tube is non-viscous
 The flow is incompressible and steady
16. Define Incompressible fluid.
An incompressible fluid is one which has a constant density throughout the fluid. It doesn't
undergo changes in volume for a large ranges of pressure

UNIT II - FLOW THROUGH PIPES AND BOUNDARY LAYER

1. Mention the general characteristics of laminar flow.

• There is a shear stress between fluid layers
• ‘No slip’ at the boundary
• The flow is rotational
2. What is Hagenpoiseuille’s formula?
P1-P2 / ρg = h f = 32 µUL / ρgD2
The expression is known as Hagen poiseuille formula.
Where P1-P2 / ρg = Loss of pressure head U = Average velocity
µ = Coefficient of viscosity D = Diameter of pipe
L = Length of pipe
3. What are the factors influencing the frictional loss in pipe flow?
Frictional resistance for the turbulent flow is
i. Proportional to vn where v varies from 1.5 to 2.0.
ii. Proportional to the density of fluid.
iii. Proportional to the area of surface in contact.
4. 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

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5.What do you understand by the terms a) major energy losses, b) minor energy losses
a)Major loss
The major losses of energy are due to friction. Which are considerable hence it is called as major
losses. It is determined by Darcy- Weisbach formula and Chezy’s formula. Head loss due to friction is
denoted by hf.

b)Minor losses
The losses due to disturbances in flow pattern or due to change in velocity are called as minor losses.
These losses may occur due to sudden change in the area of flow and the direction of flow. These
losses are less as compare to major losses.
The minor loss of the head (energy) includes the following cases:
1. Loss of head due to sudden enlargement 2. Loss of head due to sudden contraction
3. Loss of head at the entrance of a pipe 4. Loss of head at the exit of a pipe

6.Write an expression for loss of head due to sudden enlargement of the pipe:
he = (V1-V2)2 /2g
Where
he = Loss of head due to sudden enlargement of pipe .
V1 = Velocity of flow at section 1-1
V2 = Velocity of flow at section 2-2
7.Give an expression for loss of head due to sudden contraction:
hc =0.5 V2/2g
here,
c = Loss of head due to sudden contraction.
V = Velocity at outlet of pipe.
8. Give an expression for loss of head at the entrance of the pipe:
hi =0.5V2/2g
Where,
hi = Loss of head at entrance of pipe.
V = Velocity of liquid at inlet and outlet of the pipe.
9. Define the terms a) Hydraulic gradient line [HGL], b) Total Energy line [TEL]
a) 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 apipe with respect the reference line.
b) 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.
10. What is sypon ? Where it is used:
Sypon is along bend pipe which is used to transfer liquid from a reservoir at a higher
elevation to another reservoir at a lower level. Uses of sypon : -
1. To carry water from one reservoir to another reservoir separated by a hill ridge.
2. To empty a channel not provided with any outlet sluice.
11. 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.

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12. 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
13. What is moody diagram?
The Moody diagram (also known as the Moody chart) is a graph in non-dimensional form that
relates the Darcy friction factor, Reynolds number, and the relative roughness for fully
developed flow in circular pipe
14. What are the methods of preventing the separation of boundary layer?

15.Write the formula for Boundary layer displacement thickness,Momentum and energy
thickness?

UNIT III - DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS AND MODEL STUDIES

1. Define units?
Unit is defined as a yardstick to measure physical quantities like distance, area,
volume, mass etc.
2. Name the different forces present in fluid flow
Inertia force
Viscous force
Surface tension force
Gravity force
3. State the methods of dimensional analysis.
1. Rayleigh’s method
2. Buckingham’s Π theorem
4. State Buckingham’s Π theorem
It states that if there are ‘n’ variables in a dimensionally homogeneous equation and if these
variables contain ‘m’ fundamental dimensions (M,L,T), then they are grouped into (n-m),
dimensionless independent Π-terms.
5. State the limitations of dimensional analysis.
1. Dimensional analysis does not give any due regarding the selection of variables.
2.The complete information is not provided by dimensional analysis.
3.The values of coefficient and the nature of function can be obtained only by experiments or
from mathematical analysis.
6. Define Similitude
Similitude is defined as the complete similarity between the model and prototype.

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7. State Froude’s model law
Only Gravitational force is more predominant force. The law states ‘The Froude’s number is
same for both model and prototype’.
8. State Reynolds number
It’s the ratio of inertia force to viscous force
9. Define Froude number?
It is the ratio of square root of inertia force to gravity force.
10. Define term Mach number
It is the ratio of square root of inertia force to elastic force
11. Define term Euler number
It is the ratio of square root of inertia force to pressure force.
12. Write the application of Froude model law
1. Free surface flows
2. Flow of jet from an orifice or nozzle
3. where fluids of different densities flow over one another

13. What is distorted model?

14. What is Undistorted model?

15.What are the merits of distorted model?

16.What are the demerits of distorted model?

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 UNIT IV - TURBINES
1. Define hydraulic machines.
Hydraulic machines which convert the energy of flowing water into mechanical energy.
2. Give example for a low head, medium head and high head
turbine. Low head turbine – Kaplan turbine
Medium head turbine – Modern Francis
turbine High head turbine – Pelton wheel
3. What is impulse turbine? Give example.
In impulse turbine all the energy converted into kinetic energy. From these the turbine will
develop high kinetic energy power. This turbine is called impulse turbine. Example: Pelton
turbine
4. What is reaction turbine? Give example.
In a reaction turbine, the runner utilizes both potential and kinetic energies. Here portion of
potential energy is converted into kinetic energy before entering into the turbine. Example:
Francis and Kaplan turbine.
5. What is axial flow turbine?
In axial flow turbine water flows parallel to the axis of the turbine shaft. Example:
Kaplan turbine
6. What is mixed flow turbine?
In mixed flow water enters the blades radially and comes out axially, parallel to the
turbine shaft. Example: Modern Francis turbine.
7. What is the function of spear and nozzle?
The nozzle is used to convert whole hydraulic energy into kinetic energy. Thus the nozzle
delivers high speed jet. To regulate the water flow through the nozzle and to obtain a good jet of
water spear or nozzle is arranged.
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. Define hydraulic efficiency.
It is defined as the ratio of power developed by the runner to the power supplied by the water jet.
10. Define mechanical efficiency.
It is defined as the ratio of power available at the turbine shaft to the power developed
by the turbine runner.
11. Define volumetric efficiency.
It is defined as the volume of water actually striking the buckets to the total water supplied by
the jet.
12. Define over all efficiency.
It is defined as the ratio of power available at the turbine shaft to the power available from the
water jet.
13.What is draft tube ? Why it is used in reaction turbines
The draft tube is a pipe of gradually increasing area which connects the outlet of the runner to the tail
race. Primary function of a draft tube is basically to provide a passage for water discharge from the
turbine. Draft tube will reduce the velocity of discharged water and hence it will help to minimize the
loss of kinetic energy at the outlet.

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14.Write the difference between Kaplan turbine with francis turbine

15. What are the types of draft tube?

1.Straight conical tube
2.Elbow type

16.Define specific speed in tubine

UNIT V – PUMPS
1. What is meant by Pump?
It is defined as the hydraulic machine in which converts the mechanical energy into hydraulic
energy, which is mainly in the form of pressure energy.
2. Mention main
components of Centrifugal pump.
Casing

Impeller

Suction pipe, strainer & Foot valve

Delivery pipe & Delivery valve

3. What is the slip in reciprocating pump?

Slip is the difference between the theoretical discharge and actual discharge of the pump.
Slip= Qth-Qact.
4. What is meant by Priming?
The delivery valve is closed and the suction pipe, casing and portion of the delivery pipe up
to delivery valve are completely filled with the liquid so that no air pocket is left. This is called as
priming.
5. What is the main 
parts of reciprocating pump?
A cylinder with a piston, Piston rod, connecting rod and a crank.

Suction pipe, Delivery pipe.

Suction valve and

Delivery valve.

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6. How will you classify the reciprocating pump?

1. According to the water in contact with one side or both sides of the piston.
2. According to the number of cylinders provided.
Classification according to the contact of water is (1) Single acting (2) Double acting.
According to the number of cylinders provided they are classified as,
1. Single Cylinder pump.
2. Double cylinder pump.
3. Triple cylinder pump.
7. Define Mechanical efficiency.
It is defined as the ratio of the power actually delivered by the impeller to the power
supplied to the shaft.
8. Define overall efficiency.
It is the ratio of power output of the pump to the power input to the pump.
9. 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.
10. Mention main 
components of Reciprocating pump.
Piton or Plunger

Suction and delivery pipe

Crank and Connecting rod

11. 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 then theoretical discharge, in such a case
coefficient of discharge is greater then unity and the slip will be negative called as negative slip.
12. Why negative slip occurs in reciprocating pump?
If actual discharge is more than the theoretical discharge the slip of the pump will be negative.
Negative slip occurs only when delivery pipe is short, Suction pipe is long and pump is running at
high speed.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. What is an air vessel?
An air vessel is a closed chamber containing compressed air in the top portion and liquid at
the bottom of the chamber. At the base of the chamber there is an opening through which the liquid
may flow into the vessel or out of the vessel.

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17. What is the purpose of an air vessel fitted in the pump?
1. To obtain a continuous supply of liquid at a uniform rate.
2. To save a considerable amount of work in overcoming the frictional resistance in the
suction and delivery pipes, and
3. To run the pump at a high speed without separation.
18. What is the relation between Work done of a Pump and Area of Indicator Diagram?
Work done by the pump is Proportional to the area of the Indicator diagram.

19. What is the work saved by fitting a air vessel in a single acting, double acting pump?
Work saved by fitting air vessels in a single acting pump is 84.87%,
In a double acting pump the work saved is 39.2%.
20.What is NPSH ?
The Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) margin is a crucial factor that is commonly overlooked while
selecting a pump. It is the difference between the NPSH available (NPSHa) at the pump’s inlet and
the NPSH required (NPSHr) by the pump to operate without cavitation. Cavitation is the formation of
bubbles at the pump inlet, followed by their sudden collapse, which can cause permanent damage. The
NPSH margin value must be positive to avoid cavitation.

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