MODEL ANALYSIS

Before constructing or manufacturing hydraulics structures or hydraulics

machines tests are performed on their models to obtain desired information about their
performance. Models are small scale replica of actual structure o r machine. The
actual structure is called prototype.

Similitude / Similarity
It is defined as the similarity between the prototype and its model.

Types of Similarity
There are three types of similarity.
o Geometric similarity
o Kinematic similarity
o Dynamic similarity

Geometrical Similarity

Geometric similarity is said to exist between the model and prototype if the
ratio of corresponding linear dimensions between model and prototype are equal.
i.e.

Lp
Lm

hp
hm

Hp
Hm

............ L r

Lr scale ratio / linear ratio

Ap
Am

L r

Vp
Vm

L r

Kinematic Similarity

Kinematic similarity exists between prototype and model if quantities such at

velocity and acceleration at corresponding points on model and prototype are same.

V1 p
V1 m

V2 p V3 p

V2 m V3 m

........... Vr

Vr Velocity ratio

Dynamic Similarity

Dynamic similarity is said to exist between model and prototype if ratio of

forces at corresponding points of model and prototype is constant.

F1 p
F1 m

F2 p F3 p

F2 m F3 m

........... FR

FR Force ratio
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Dimensionless Numbers
Following dimensionless numbers are used in fluid mechanics.
1. Reynolds number
2. Froudes number
3. Eulers number
4. Webers number
5. Mach number

1. Reynolds number
It is defined as the ratio of inertia force of the fluid to viscous force.
N Re

Fi
Fv

Expression for NRe

Fi = Mass x Acceleration
Fi = x Volume x Acceleration
Fi = x Volume x

Change in velocity
Time

Fi = x Q x V
Fi = AV2
FV Viscous force
FV = x A
FV =

V
A
y

FV =

V
A
L

NRe =

NRe =

AV 2
V
A
L

VL

In case of pipeline diameter is the linear dimension.

NRe =

VD

2. Froudes Number (Fr)

It is defined as the ratio of square root of inertia force to gravity force.
Fr =

Fi
Fg

Fi = m x a
Fi = x Volume x Acceleration
Fi = AV2
Fg = m x g
Fg = x Volume x g
Fg = x A x L x g

F =

AV 2
xAxLxg

F =

V2
Lg

F =

V
Lg

3. Eulers Number (u)

It is defined as the square root of ratio of inertia force to pressure force.
u =

Fi
Fp

Fi = Mass x Acceleration
Fi = x Volume x

Velocity
Time

Fi = x Q x V
Fi = AV2
Fp = p x A
u =

AV 2

V
pA
p

v
p

u =

4. Webers Number (Wb)

It is defined as the square root of ratio of inertia force to surface tensile force.
Fi
Fp

Wb =

Fb = AV2
Fs = x L

AV 2
L
V
L

Wb =

Wb =

5. Mach Number (M)

It is defined as the square root of ratio of inertia force to elastic force.
M=

Fi
Fe

Fi = AV2
Fe = K x A
K Bulk modulus of elasticity
A Area

M=

AV 2
KA

M=

V
K/

M=

V
C

C Velocity of sound in fluid.

MODEL LAWS (SIMILARITY LAWS)

1. Reynolds Model Law
For the flows where in addition to inertia force, similarity of flow in model
and predominant force, similarity of flow in model and prototype can be established if
Re is same for both the system.
This is known as Reynolds Model Law.
Re for model = Re for prototype
(NRe)m = (NRe)p
VD
VD

m p

m Vm D m
p Vp D p
=1
m
p

r Vr Dr
1
r
Applications:
i)

In flow of incompressible fluids in closed pipes.

ii)

Motion of submarine completely under water.

iii)

Motion of air-planes.

2. Froudes Model Law

When the force of gravity is predominant in addition to inertia force then
similarity can be established by Froudes number. This is known as Froudes model
law.
(Fr)m = (Fr)p
V

V
gL

m gL p

=1
gL

Applications:
i)

Flow over spillways.

ii)

Channels, rivers (free surface flows).

iii)

Waves on surface.

iv)

Flow of different density fluids one above the other.

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