Dimensional Analysis

• Physical significance of non-dimensional groups

• Buckingham’s pi - theorem

• Similitude & model studies

Physical significance of non-dimensional groups

Application of dimensional analysis to real

investigations and, most importantly, model
testing and prototype design requires an
understanding of the significance of the
various groups identified, many of which will
recur continuously in a wide range of fluid
flow situations.
Examples:

Force group

Reynolds number

Froude number (applicable to free surface conditions)

Other groups:
e.g. Mach number, lift and drag coefficients, scale groups (e.g.
Relative roughness)
Buckingham’s π – Theorem
The number of dimensionless groups arising from a particular matrix
formed from n variables in m dimensions is n-r, (where r is the largest
non-zero determinant that can be formed from the matrix) and therefore
the equation relating the variables will be of the form

For fluid conditions involved only the dimensions of M, L and T,

Number of dimensionless groups formed = n - m

Example 1

The resistance force F of a ship is a function of its

length L, velocity V, , acceleration due to gravity g and
fluid properties like density ρ and viscosity μ.
Write this relationship in a dimensionless form.
Example 2
The variables governing the resistance to flow (surface
shear stress τ0 ) in a closed conduit are believed to
include the flow mean velocity v, the conduit
diameter D, its surface roughness k and the density ρ
and dynamic viscosity µ of the fluid. In addition if the
surface of the conduit is itself in motion then the
surface velocity VS , may also be a factor.
Example 3
The pressure drop Δp generated by a pump of a given
geometry is known to depend upon the impeller
diameter D, the rotational speed N, the fluid discharge
Q, the fluid density ρ and viscosity µ. Obtain the
dimensionless form of the functional relationship.
Example 4
The efficiency η of a fan depends upon the kinematic
viscosity of the fluid ν, the angular velocity ω,
diameter D of the rotor and the discharge Q. Express
the efficiency in terms of dimensionless parameters
using Buckingham’s Pi theorem
Example 5
Show that the frictional torque T of a disc of diameter
D rotating at a speed of N in a fluid of viscosity µ and
density ρ in a turbulent flow condition is related as
Dimensional analysis and The laws of Similarity

A mathematical technique in its simplified application to the

three-dimensional system (fluid flows with no temperature-
dependent or heat transfer effects) which allows the enlightened
design of experimental investigations.

Fluid Mechanics depend heavily on empirical data and, therefore a

systematic empirical approach is essential.

Dimensional analysis can only suggest suitable groupings of

variables in order to solve or to define fluid flow problems.

The basis for the use of dimensional analysis is obtained by the

laws of similarity.

Similarity (when combined with the groups suggested by

dimensional analysis) gives an understanding the performance of a
prototype based upon the behaviour of a model.
SIMILITUDE

In hydraulic and aeronautical engineering

valuable results are obtained at a relatively
low cost by performing tests on small scale
models of full size systems (prototypes).

Similarity laws help us interpret the results

of model studies.
Similitude, the relation between model and a prototype,

Classified into the following types.

• Geometric Similarity

The model must be an exact replica of the prototype.

•Dynamic Similarity

The forces which act on corresponding masses in the model

and prototype shall be in the same ratio throughout the area of
flow modelled.
Example 6
A submarine-launched missile, 2 m in diameter and
10 m long, is to be tested in a water tunnel to
determine the forces acting on it during its
underwater launch.

The maximum speed during this initial part of the

missile’s flight is 10 m/s.

Determine the mean water tunnel flow velocity if a

1/20 scale model is employed and dynamic similarity
is achieved.
Example 7
An airship of 6 m diameter and 30 m length is to be
studied in a wind tunnel. The airship speed to be
investigated is at the docking end of its range, a
maximum of 3 m/s.

Determine the mean model wind tunnel air flow

velocity if the model is made to a 1/30 scale, assuming
the same sea level air pressure and temperature
conditions for the model and the prototype.
Example 8
A fluid flow phenomenon is to be studied in a
model which is to be constructed by using
Reynolds model law. Find the expressions for
model to prototype ratios of velocity, discharge,
pressure, work and power.
Example 9
A model boat, 1/100 size of its prototype
has 0.12 N of resistance when simulating
a speed of 5 m/s of the prototype. Water is
the fluid in both cases.

What is the corresponding resistance in

the prototype?

Neglect frictional forces.

Example 10
A 1/6 scale model of a passenger car is
tested in a wind tunnel. The prototype
velocity is 60 km/hr.

If the model drag is 250 N, what is the drag

and the power required to overcome the
drag in the prototype?

The air in the model and prototype can be

assumed to have the same properties.
Example 11
A 1/10 model of an airplane is tested in a variable
density wind tunnel. The prototype plane is to fly at
400 km/hr speed under atmospheric conditions. The
pressure used in the wind tunnel is 10 times the
atmospheric pressure. Calculate the velocity of air in
the model.

To what prototype value would a measured drag of

500 N in the model correspond?

If some vortices are shed at a frequency of 25 Hz in

the model, what would be the corresponding
prototype frequency?
 Example 12
A 1/25 scale model of a ship has a submerged
surface area of 6 m2, a length of 5 m and experiences
a total drag of 25 N when towed through water with a
velocity of 1.2 m/s. Estimate the total drag on the
prototype when cruising at the corresponding speed.
The skin friction force can be estimated by
𝟏
𝑭𝑺 = 𝑪𝒇 𝑨𝝆𝒗𝟐 ,
𝟐
𝟎.𝟎𝟕𝟑𝟓
where the coefficient 𝑪𝒇 =
𝑹𝒆𝟏/𝟓

Assume,
μwater = 1X10-3 Pa.s , ρwater = 1030 kg/m3 for both
model and the prototype.