15-Oct-18

Introduction to Fluid Mechanics

Chapter 7
Dimensional Analysis
and Similitude

Main Topics

• Non-dimensionalizing the Basic

Differential Equations
• Nature of Dimensional Analysis
• Buckingham Pi Theorem
• Significant Dimensionless Groups in
Fluid Mechanics
• Flow Similarity and Model Studies

1
 15-Oct-18

Nondimensionalizing the Basic

Differential Equations

Example: Navier-Stokes Equation

Assumptions:
– Steady
– Incompressible
– Two-Dimensional
– Newtonian Fluid

Nondimensionalizing the Basic

Differential Equations

For non-dimensionalizing use:

2
 15-Oct-18

Nondimensionalizing the Basic

Differential Equations

Drag or fluid resistance

Shape and flow Form Skin

Drag friction

0% 100%

~10% ~90%

~90% ~10%

100% 0%

3
 15-Oct-18

Nature of Dimensional Analysis

Example: Drag on a Sphere

 Drag depends on FOUR parameters:

sphere size (D); speed (V); fluid density (ρ); fluid
viscosity (μ)
 Difficult to know how to set up experiments to
determine dependencies
 Difficult to know how to present results (four
graphs?)

Nature of Dimensional Analysis

Example: Drag on a Sphere

 Only one dependent and one independent variable

 Easy to set up experiments to determine dependency
 Easy to present results (one graph)

4
 15-Oct-18

Buckingham Pi Theorem
Objective:
f or

More formally,

In general, The n-m dimensionless Π parameters

obtained from the procedure are
The Buckingham Pi theorem
independent.
states that we can transform a
relationship between n para-
meters into a corresponding
relationship between n-m
independent dimensionless Π If n-m=1, then a single dimensionless Π1
Parameters. parameter is obtained and must be a
constant (Π1=Constant)

Buckingham Pi Theorem

• Step 1:
List all the dimensional parameters involved

Let n be the number of parameters

Example:
For drag on a sphere, F, V, D, r, m, and n = 5

Note: If all of the pertinent parameters are not included, a relation

may be obtained, but it will not give the complete story.

5
 15-Oct-18

Buckingham Pi Theorem

• Step 2
Select a set of fundamental (primary) dimensions

For example, MLt or FLt

Example: For drag on a sphere choose MLt

Buckingham Pi Theorem
• Step 3
List the dimensions of all parameters in terms of
primary dimensions

Let r be the number of primary dimensions

Example: For drag on a sphere r = 3

6
 15-Oct-18

Buckingham Pi Theorem
• Step 4
Select a set of r dimensional parameters (repeating
parameters) that includes all the primary dimensions

Example: For drag on a sphere (m = r = 3) select r,

V, D
Note:
• No repeating parameter should have dimensions that are a
power of the dimensions of another repeating parameter.
Ex. area (L2) and a second moment of area (L4).
• Do not include the dependent parameter among those selected.

Buckingham Pi Theorem
• Step 5
Set up dimensional equations, combining the
parameters selected in Step 4 with each of the other
parameters in turn, to form dimensionless groups

There will be n – m equations

Example: For drag on a sphere

7
 15-Oct-18

Buckingham Pi Theorem

• Step 5 (Continued)

Example: For drag on a sphere

Buckingham Pi Theorem
• Step 6
Check to see that each group obtained is
dimensionless

Example: For drag on a sphere

8
 15-Oct-18

Nature of Dimensional Analysis

Troublesome Case: m≠r

Such cases arises, when the number of primary

dimensions differs when variables are expressed in terms of
different systems of dimensions (e.g., MLt or FLt).

The value of m can be established with certainty by

determining the rank of the dimensional matrix; that
rank is m.

9
 15-Oct-18

Significant Dimensionless Groups in

Fluid Mechanics

• Forces encountered in flowing fluids include:

– Inertia,
– Viscosity,
– Pressure,
– Gravity,
– Surface tension, and
– Compressibility.
• The ratio of any two forces will be dimensionless.

Mathematical Form of Each Force

• Inertial force: (=ma) or ρv2L2

10
 15-Oct-18

Ratio of Forces leads to

Dimensionless Numbers

Or Pressure Coefficient, Cp

(Fluid flow with

free surface)

Ratio of Forces leads to

Dimensionless Numbers

(indicative of the existence of, and frequency of, capillary

waves at a free surface)

Cavitation Number

11
 15-Oct-18

Flow Similarity and Model Studies

• GEOMETRIC SIMILARITY
– Model and prototype have same shape
– Linear dimensions on model and prototype correspond
within constant scale factor
• KINEMATIC SIMILARITY
– Velocities at corresponding points on model and prototype
are in the same direction and differ only by a constant scale
factor
– flows that are kinematically similar must be geometrically
similar
• DYNAMIC SIMILARITY
– Forces on model and prototype are parallel and differ only
by a constant scale factor
– Kinematic similarity is necessary but not sufficient

Flow Similarity and Model Studies

• Example for Dynamic Similarity:
Drag on a Sphere (Geometric similarity)

12
 15-Oct-18

Flow Similarity and Model Studies

• Example: Drag on a Sphere
For dynamic similarity …

… then …

• For experimental convenience, tests can be run on different fluid.

• Incomplete Similarity: In many model studies, dynamic similarity
requires duplication of several dimensionless groups.

Important Points
• The actual force on the object caused by the fluid is
not the same for the model and prototype, but the
value of its dimensionless group is.
• The two tests can be run using different fluids, if
desired, as long as the Reynolds numbers are
matched.
Ex. For experimental convenience, test data can be measured
in a wind tunnel in air and the results used to predict drag in
water.

13
 15-Oct-18

Flow Similarity and Model Studies

• Scaling with Multiple Dependent Parameters

Example: Centrifugal Pump

Pump Head

Pump Power

Flow Similarity and Model Studies

• Scaling with Multiple Dependent Parameters
Example: Centrifugal Pump
Flow coefficient

Head Coefficient

Re

Power Coefficient

14
 15-Oct-18

Flow Similarity and Model Studies

• Scaling with Multiple Dependent Parameters
Example: Centrifugal Pump
(Negligible Viscous Effects)

If … … then …

Flow Similarity and Model Studies

• Scaling with Multiple Dependent Parameters

Example: Centrifugal Pump

Specific Speed (from flow and head coeff.)

Energy /unit mass

Energy /unit wt.

Specific speed is the speed required for a machine to produce

unit head at unit volume flow rate.

15
 15-Oct-18

Thank You

16