KIL1006 & KKEK1153 Fluid Mechanics 1 1

Topic 7
Learning outcome of the topic: students will be able to apply dimensional analysis
to express the behavior of physical system that affected by changes in the
magnitude of the units of measurement.

1.0 Introduction
Based on intrinsic ratios of like quantities i.e. length, velocity, forces and etc, similarities
criteria between small and large scales can be established. The ratios are dimensionless
and the dimensionless group can be derived using dimensional analysis.

Dimensional analysis is a mathematical technique used to predict the physical parameters

that influence the flow in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, momentum transfer and in
thermodynamics.

2.0 Dimensional Analysis

The analysis involves the fundamental units of dimensions MLT.
M: mass L: length T: time

Examples of units and dimension:

Length or distance
cm, ft, m…… [L]

Area
cm2, ft2, m2…… [L2]

Volume
cm3, ft3, m3…… [L3]

Mass
g, kg [M]

Time
s, min, h [T]

Acceleration due to gravity

ms-2 [LT-2]

Power
Kg m2s [ML2T-3]

Physical quantities are arranged in dimensionless groups consisting of ratios of like

quantities i.e. lengths, velocity, etc. that characterize the system. Whenever one specifies
a physical quantity, it is necessary to state the units. It is important to have quantitative
analysis of physical events so that the mathematical relationships between the numerical
values of the physical quantities that describe the event can be known.

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KIL1006 & KKEK1153 Fluid Mechanics 1 2

Dimensional Homogeneity
In the mathematical operation of addition and subtraction to have any significance, it is to
be ensured that the added or the subtracted terms should denote physical quantities of
same kind. i.e. every quantity in a physical equation should have same dimension.

i.e. Principle of dimensional homogeneity

1
e.g. S  ut  at 2 rewrite in terms of dimension it becomes:
2

L 1 L
[ L]  [ .T ]  [ 2 .T 2 ]
T 2 T

Dimensionless Groups

Dimensionless Group Definition Dimensionless Group Definition

Arrhenius E Froude V2
RT gL
Pressure Coefficient P Reynolds Vd
V 2 
2
Schmidt  Weber V 2L
Dcoeff . 

Principles of Testing Dimensional Consistency

- The sum of exponents relating to any given dimension must be same on both sides
of the equation
- All exponent must be dimensionless & a pure number
- All factors in equation must be collectible into a set of dimensionless group

2.1 Methods of Dimensional Analysis

- Rayleigh’s method (Power series)
- Buckingham’s method (π-Theorem)

2.1 a) Rayleigh’s method

1) Write the functional relationship with the given data
2) Write equation in terms of a constant with exponents
3) Help based on principle of dimensional homogeneity, find out values of
exponents
4) Obtaining simultaneous equation and simply it.

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Class Example 1:

Determine the rational formula for power developed by a pump, when power (p)
depends upon the head (h), the discharge (Q) and specific weight (w) of the fluids

Class Example 2:

Determine the number and the dimensional groups of an isothermal flow of a fluid.

2.1 b) Buckingham’s Theorem (π-Theorem)

1) Write the functional relationship with the given data
2) Write equation in its general form
3) Choose repeating variables (recurring set) and write separate expressions for each
π-term.
4) Every π-term will contain the repeating variables and one of the remaining
variables. Repeating the variables are written in exponential form.
5) Use principle of dimensional homogeneity find out values of power a, b, c….
6) Obtaining simultaneous equation
7) Substitute the values of these exponents in the π-terms.
8) Determine π-terms and write the functional relation in the required form

Class Example 2:
1 2
Determine the number of dimensionless group for S  ut  at using Buckingham’s
2
Pi- Theorem.

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KIL1006 & KKEK1153 Fluid Mechanics 1 4

Assignment 7

Q1. The Stokes formula for drag on a sphere at low velocity V is:

9
F  3 DV  V 2 D2 , where D= sphere diameter, µ= viscosity and ρ=density. Is the
16
formula homogeneous?

Q2. Prove that the resistance (F) of a sphere of diameter (d) moving at a constant speed (u)
through a fluid density (ρ) and dynamic viscosity (µ) may be expressed as:
 ud
F  2 f( )
 

Q3. The drag force (F) on a particle in a high viscosity (i.e. low NRe) flow depended on
viscosity (µ), particle velocity (V) and particle size (D). Use dimensional homogeneity to
obtain a formula for the drag force.

Q4. The parameters affecting the experimental results are namely, force (F), velocity (V),
viscosity µ), density (ρ) and diameter (D), determine the Pi-terms and the relationship.

Q5. The stokes number (St) is a dimensionless combination of 5 variables such as gravity
(g), viscosity (µ), density (ρ), particle velocity (U) and particle diameter (D). If St. is
proportional to viscosity and inversely proportional to g, show that St. is the quotient of
two dimensionless groups.

Q6. In a flow past a flat plate, the boundary layer thickness(δ) varies with the distance (x),
freestream velocity (U), viscosity (µ and density (ρ). Find the dimensionless parameters
concerned.

Q7. The shear wall stress τw) in a boundary layer is assumed to be a function of stream
velocity (U), boundary layer thickness (δ), local turbulence velocity (u), density (ρ) and
local pressure gradient (dp/dx). Using (ρ, U, δ) as repeating variables, rewrite the
relationship as dimensionless function.

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