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Module 7: Similarity Rules

Lecture 32: Similarity Rules

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For supersonic flow over slender cones

For flow over wavy walls

C p 1 M 2

f x, y M 2 1

Cp

f M 2 1

These results show that the parameters could be arranged into functional groups so that a single curve
represents the solution for a whole family of shapes and range of Mach numbers. These are examples
of similarity relations.

Since the solution of the equations of motion can be found in these special cases, the functions are
known explicitly. If the solutions are not easily obtainable, as in the non-linear cases of transonic or
hypersonic flow, the similarity analysis is especially useful. The similarity analysis is also useful when
solutions are known. The steady 2-D or axially symmetric flow of a perfect gas over a body of chord
length c and maximum thickness t is characterized by the following parameter,

cp Cp x , M , , t
c
c

This result is obtained from dimensional analysis. The problem now is to find the functional form which
will represent C p in such a way that the five dimensionless variables are grouped into a smaller a
numbers of similarity parameters. The pressure coefficient parameter at a given station x can then

be represented by a single curve for all Mach numbers and gases and whole family of shapes.

Dimensional analysis lists the dimensionless parameters that are involved. Only certain amount of book
keeping is needed only the variables involved need to be known or guessed. Similarity analysis
shows how to group these dimensionless quantities in such a way as to reduce the number of
independent variables. The differential equations and boundary conditions are required. Some integral
relations may also be required. Set of experiments may also give similarity rules.

Most useful for non-linear problems

Similarity Rules for 2D linearized flow

x, y is the perturbation potential in a plane, steady flow with free stream mach number M 1
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2
1 2

0
x 2 1 M 12 y 2

Boundary shape is given in the form

x
x
y t1 f 1 c f , c is chord
c
c

1 t1 c is thickness ratio

or

y
x
1 f
c
c

must satisfy the boundary condition

dy

U 1
U 1 1 f x
c
dx body
y y 0
Pressure coefficient C p1 on the boundary is

C p1

U 1 x y 0

Consider potential function , of a second flow in the , system and related to by the relation

x, y A

2
U
U1
1 M1
, A 1 x,
2
U2
U2
1 M 2

Correspondence between the two coordinate systems is

x,

1 M1

1 M 2

If is introduced into the linearized differential equation, it shows satisfies.

2
1 2

0
2 1 M 12 2
if is solution corresponding to Mach number M 1 , then is a solution corresponding to M 2
Boundary condition gives
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2

U 1 M1

A 1
U 2 1 M 22
y y 0

U 1 1 f
c
0

U 1 1 f
c
0

f is the same function in both cases, and

2

1 M1

2 A
1 M 22

A A1
A2

Since f is same in both flows, only bodies of the same family can be compared.

Now

C p1

2
2

U 1 x y 0
U2

A
0

But the pressure coefficient in the second flow is

C p2

U 2 0

A A1
A2

C p1 AC p2

Two members of a family of shapes characterized by the thickness ratios 1 and 2 have pressure
distributions given by coefficients C p1 and C p2 . If the Mach numbers of the flows are M 1 and M 2 ,
then C p1 AC p2 , provided that

1 A

1 M1

1 M 2

2
A
A 1 M

Cp

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A is arbitrary, since the linearized equation is homogeneous in , can be multiplied by any constant
factor without changing the equation.
1.

A 1 Cp f

2
1 M

2.

3.

2
A C p f 1 M

4.

1
1 M

Cp

1
1 M

[Prandtl-Glauert rule]

1
1
2
f 1 M [Gothert rule]
Cp
2
2

1 M
1 M

1) C p remains invariant with M if is reduced as M increased so that

2) C p increases with M as 1 M

1
2 2

1 M 2

constant

for a given member of the family of shapes.

3) C p is proportional to for a fixed value of M .

4) Gthet rule, applies to axially symmetrical as well as 2D case. It states that C p increases with

Mach number as 1 M

2 1

The rules are applicable for supersonic flows if

can be written using 1 M

Example: C p

0.75

C p 0.40

if the thickness ratio increases as 1 M

1
2 2

1 M is replaced by M
2

1 . Generalized rules

or in a form without square root as in

f
A2 1 M 2
A

Cp

1 0.40 2
1.38C p 0.40
1 0.75 2

Accuracy decreases as the transonic range is approached.

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