Scribd
Upload
10 views46 pages

Unit 5

The document discusses the principles of dimensional analysis and dimensional homogeneity in fluid mechanics, emphasizing the importance of consistent dimensions and units in equations. It introduces key concepts such as the Buckingham Pi Theorem, kinematic and dynamic similarity, and the significance of nondimensionalization in engineering applications. The document also highlights the necessity of ensuring complete similarity between model and prototype flows for accurate results.

Uploaded by

Mirdhula
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
10 views46 pages

Unit 5

The document discusses the principles of dimensional analysis and dimensional homogeneity in fluid mechanics, emphasizing the importance of consistent dimensions and units in equations. It introduces key concepts such as the Buckingham Pi Theorem, kinematic and dynamic similarity, and the significance of nondimensionalization in engineering applications. The document also highlights the necessity of ensuring complete similarity between model and prototype flows for accurate results.

Uploaded by

Mirdhula
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 46

U21CH302

Fluid Mechanics for Chemical


Engineers
• U23CH302 – Fluid Mechanics for Chemical Engineers

UNIT V

The principle of dimensional homogeneity – dimensional analysis, Rayleigh method


and the Pi theorem - non-dimensional action of the basic equations - similitude -
relationship between dimensional analysis and similitude - use of dimensional analysis
for scale up studies.
DIMENSIONS AND UNITS
A dimension is a measure of a physical quantity
(without numerical values), while a unit is a way to
assign a number to that dimension.

For example, length is a dimension that is


measured in units such as microns (μm), feet (ft),
centimeters (cm), meters (m), kilometers (km), etc.

There are seven primary dimensions (also called


fundamental or basic dimensions)—mass, length,
time, temperature, electric current, amount of
light, and amount of matter.
DIMENSIONS AND UNITS

All nonprimary dimensions can be formed by


some combination of the seven primary
dimensions.

For example, force has the same dimensions


as mass times acceleration (by Newton’s
second law). Thus, in terms of primary
dimensions
DIMENSIONS AND UNITS
DIMENSIONAL HOMOGENEITY
Law of dimensional homogeneity
Every additive term in an equation must have the
same dimensions.
DIMENSIONAL HOMOGENEITY
These components can be written in terms of the system
mass (m);
measurable quantities and thermodynamic properties at
each of the two states, such as speed (V),
elevation (z), and
specific internal energy (u); and the known gravitational
acceleration constant (g)

It is straightforward to verify that the left side of the


change in Energy equation and all three additive terms
on the right side have the same dimensions—energy
In addition to dimensional homogeneity, calculations are valid only
when the units are also homogeneous in each additive term.
For example, units of energy in the above terms may be J, N·m , or
kg·m2/s2, all of which are equivalent.
Suppose, however, that kJ were used in place of J for one of the
terms. This term would be off by a factor of 1000 compared to the
other terms.
It is wise to write out all units when performing mathematical
calculations in order to avoid such errors.
DIMENSIONAL HOMOGENEITY
Probably the most well-known equation in fluid
mechanics is the Bernoulli equation. One standard
form of the Bernoulli equation for incompressible
irrotational fluid flow is

(a)Verify that each additive term in the Bernoulli


equation has the same dimensions.
(b)What are the dimensions of the constant C?
DIMENSIONAL HOMOGENEITY
Differential equation for conservation of mass, the
continuity equation In cylindrical coordinates, and
for steady flow
Nondimensionalization of Equations
The law of dimensional homogeneity guarantees
that every additive term in an equation has the
same dimensions
It follows that if we divide each
term in the equation by a
collection of variables and
constants whose product has
those same dimensions, the
equation is rendered
nondimensional or
dimensionless
Nondimensionalization of Equations
In the process of nondimensionalizing an equation
nondimensional parameters often appear—most of
which are named after a notable scientist or
engineer (e.g., the Reynolds number, Froude
number, Prandtl number, Nusselt number).
Nondimensionalization of an equation by inspection is
useful only when we know the equation to begin with.
However, in many cases in “real-life engineering, the
equations are either not known or too difficult to solve”
often times experimentation is the only method of obtaining
reliable information. In most experiments, to save
time and money, tests are performed on a
“geometrically scaled model, rather than on the
full-scale prototype” In such cases, care must be taken
to properly scale the results.
We introduce here a powerful technique called
dimensional analysis.
2. Kinematic Similarity
3. Dynamic Similarity
It is thus possible for a model flow and a
prototype flow to achieve both geometric and
kinematic similarity, yet not dynamic similarity.

All three similarity conditions must exist for


complete similarity to be ensured.

In a general flow field, complete similarity


between a model and prototype is achieved only
when there is geometric, kinematic, and dynamic
similarity
Buckingham Pi Theorem

You might also like