MODULE-1

Dimensional analysis: Dimensional analysis and similitude: Dimensional homogeneity,

Non Dimensional parameter, Rayleigh methods and Buckingham Π theorem,
dimensional analysis, choice of variables, examples on various applications.
Model analysis: Model analysis, similitude, types of similarities, force ratios, similarity
laws, model classification, Reynolds model, Froude’s model, Euler’s Model, Webber’s
model, Mach model, scale effects, Distorted models. Numerical problems on Reynold’s,
and Froude’s Model
Buoyancy and Flotation: Buoyancy, Force and Centre of Buoyancy, Metacentre and
Metacentric height, Stability of submerged and floating bodies, Determination of
Metacentric height, Experimental and theoretical method, Numerical problems L1, L2,
L3, L4
DIMENTIONAL ANALYSIS:
The study of relationships between physical quantities with the help of their dimensions
and units of measurements is called dimensional analysis.Use of dimentional analysis is
useful for the description of physical process by using dimensions of quantities.
A dimension is a measure of a physical variable (without numerical values), while a unit
is a way to assign a number or measurement to that dimension.
Length (L) is a dimension, but it is measured in units of meters (m) or feet (ft). Time (T)
is a dimension, but it is measured in units of seconds (s). Mass (M) is a dimension, but it
is measured in units of kilograms (kg) or pounds (lb).
The dimensional formula is defined as the expression of the physical quantity in terms
of its basic unit with proper dimensions. For example, dimensional force is. F = [M L T-2]
It's because the unit of Force is Netwon or kg*m/s2.
When working with equations possessing units, an equation is said to be dimension
homogeneity when both sides of the equation possess the same units

Dimensions and Units

In engineering fields and especially fluid mechanics, dimensions and

units are a fundamental tool to explain the characterization of
phenomena. A dimension is a measure of a physical variable by
fundamental quantities without numerical value, such as distance,
time, mass, temperature, etc., but a unit is a particular way to assign a
measurement with numerical value to the dimension.
Examples:
▪
Length (L) is a dimension, but it is measured in units of meters
(m) or feet (ft).
▪
Time (T) is a dimension, but it is measured in units of seconds
(s).
▪
Mass (M) is a dimension, but it is measured in units of kilograms
(kg) or pounds (lb).

Dimensional analysis is an analytical method between different physical quantities and

units of measure to understand their relationship by using fundamental dimensions,
such as Mass (M), Time (T), Length (L) and Temperature (θ).

In simple words, any physical equation must have the same dimension on both sides
(left and right). This application is called dimensional analysis.

Examples:
▪
The unit of speed or velocity is meters per second (m/s) and its
dimensional analysis is
{V}={Length(L)/Time(T)}=L/T=LT−1
So dimension analysis of velocity is LT−1
▪
The unit of acceleration is meters per second squared (m/s2) and
its dimensional analysis is
{a}={velocity(V)/Time(T)}=LT−1T=LT−2
▪
The unit of force is Newton (in SI) and it is equal to mass (M)
multiplied by acceleration
{F}={mass×acceleration}=M⋅LT−2=MLT−2
▪
Rayleigh’s method of dimensional analysis
This method of dimensional analysis was originally proposed by Lord Rayleigh in 1899.
He used this method for determining the effect of temperature on gases. In this method,
functional relationship of variables is expressed in the form of an exponential equation.
The equation must be dimensionally homogeneous.
For example if Y is some function of independent variables X1,X2,X3… etc., then
functional relationship may be written as
Y = f [ X1,X2,X3...]
In this equation, Y is dependent variable and X1,X2,X3 are independent variables.

Rayleigh’s method
a) Write the functional relationship of the given data. Y = f [ X1, X2, X3...]
b) Write equation in the exponential form with exponents a, b, c…
c) Put the dimensions of variables involved using any one system M,L,T
d) Apply dimensional homogeneity and evaluate the values of exponents a, b, c…,d.
e) Substitute the values of exponents a, b, c in the equation form in step number 2.
f) Simplify the equation for the required physical quantity.
Limitations of Rayleigh Method: Rayleigh’s method of analysis is adopted when
numbers of parameters or variables are less (3 or 4 or 5).
Buckingham’s π- theorem
The Rayleigh’s method of dimensional analysis becomes bulky when more variables
are involved. In order to overcome this, Buckingham’s method may be used. It states
that
If there are n variables in a dimensionally homogeneous equation and if these variables
contain m fundamental dimensions such as (M-L-T). They may be grouped into (n
minus m) non dimensional independent π-terms.
Mathematically, if a variable X1 depends upon independent variables X2, X3, X4, Xn the
functional
equation may be written as:
X1 = k (X2, X3, X4…Xn).
The equation may be written in its general form as
F(X1, X2, X3, X4…Xn) = C
Where C is a constant and ‘f’ represents some function. In this equation, there are n
variables. If there are ‘m’ fundamental dimensions, then according to Buckingham’s π-
theorem.
f1 (π1, π2, π3… πn-m) = constant

The Buckingham’s π- method is based on the following steps.

1. Write the functional relationship with the given data.
2. Then write the equation in its general form.
3. Now choose m repeating variables and write separate expression for each π- term.
Every π-term will contain the repeating variables and one of the remaining variables.
The repeating variables are written in the exponential form.
4. With the help of principle of dimensional homogeneity find out the values of a,b,c…
by obtaining simultaneous equations.
5. Now substitute the values of these exponents in the π-terms.
6. After the π - terms are determined, write the functional relation in the required form.
Selection of repeating variables
Though there is no hard and fast rule for the selection of repeating variables. Following
points should be kept in mind while selecting repeating variables.