2.

DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS

Dimensional analysis is method by which we deduce information about a

phenomenon from the single premise that the phenomenon can be described by a
dimensionally correct equation among certain variables (H.L.Langhaar). This chapter
is to discuss the roles played by dimensions, units, and dimensionless groups.

DIMENSIONS AND UNITS

Physical quantities is about mixing between a concept such as time, velocity, force
and a numerical measure. The numerical measure implies a comparison with some
sort of standard that being used to facilatate communication so that the quantities
can be compared.
The word dimensions is brought into play to relate a derived quantity to the
fundamental quantities that have been selected to particular analysis. For example,
dimensions of Area are

, the dimensions of mass density are

and the dimension of force are

. If we let M, L,T stand for mass,

length, and time, we can write these results symbolically as

[ A = Area ] =
[ = Density ] =
[ F = Force ] =
For some concept which has the same dimention of a quantity, we can write
relations between the units. For example,
1 foot = 30,48 cm
1 cm = 0,000006214 miles
1 hour = 60 minutes = 3600 seconds
For speed of 88 m/sec we may calculate the following equivalent :

We must take notice about dimensional homogeneity, this is form a rational

equation (all term has the same dimensions). This means, simply, we cannot add
length to area in the same equation.

DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS MOTIVATION

The basic idea of dimensional analysis is to see if variable could be grouped
together in a meaningful way so as to reduce the number of trial to get relevant
data from an experiment. Dimensional analysis is also used forguiding the
thinking about the analytical problems and for identifying small or large effects in
problems.

DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS THE PROCESS

The point of dimensional analysis is to ensure that we are dealing with any given
problem with the right dimensions, and to guarantee that all term in an equation
have the same dimensions. While consistent units need to be used for numerical
calculations, consistent dimension are required for logical consistency.
To ensure the dimensional consistency, first, we have to checking the dimensions
of all detived quantities to see that they are properly represented in term of the
primary quantities and their dimensions. Then, identtification of the proper
dimentionless groups of variables. There are several methods of exposing these
dimensionless groups, two of them are Pi theorem of Buckingham and the basic
method.
Buckinghams Pi theorem has two parts. The first, any equation that is
dimensionally homogeneous can be reduced to a set of dimensionless products or
ratios. The second part is the number of independent dimensionlessgroups of
variables needed to corrrelate the variables in a given process is equal n m,
where n is the number of deived variables involved and m is the number of
primary variables or dimensions.
For example :

For the submarine model, we have V (velocity), d (characteristic dimension),

(density) as derived variables and let us permutate them with (viscosity) and
(drag force) to get two dimensionless groups :

In terms of primary dimensions :

For

( )

( )

( )

( )

to be dimensionless, the exponent for each of the primary

dimensions must vanish, and we have :

L:
T:
M:
And
L:
T:
M:
So that

, and

. Then the two

dimensionless groups are :

These are groups we anticipated for this problem, the first instance ratio of viscous
to inertial forces and the ratio of deag force to the force exerted by moving water.