CHAPTER 7

DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS,
SIMILARITY AND MODELING

CHAPTER 7
OUTLINE
Dimensional analysis
Buckingham PI Theorem

Similarity
Modeling and Prototype

CHAPTER 7

OBJECTIVES
Develop a better understanding of dimensions, units,
and dimensional homogeneity of equations

Understand the numerous benefits of dimensional

analysis

Know how to use the method of repeating variables to

identify non-dimensional parameters

Understand the concept of dynamic similarity and how

to apply it to experimental modeling

CHAPTER 7

DIMENSIONS AND UNITS

Dimension: A measure of a physical quantity (without numerical values).
Unit: A way to assign a number to that dimension.
There are seven primary dimensions (also called fundamental or basic
dimensions): mass, length, time, temperature, electric current, amount of light,
and amount of matter.
All non-primary dimensions can be formed by some combination of the seven
primary dimensions

A dimension is a measure of a
physical quantity without
numerical values, while a unit is
a way to assign a number to the
dimension. For example, length
is a dimension, but centimeter
is a unit.

DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS
Dimensional analysis is a method for reducing the number and
complexity of experimental variables that affect a given physical
phenomenon, by using a sort of compacting technique.
Primary purposes of dimensional analysis
To generate non-dimensional parameters that help in the
design of experiments (physical and/or numerical) and in
reporting of results
To obtain scaling laws so that prototype performance can be
predicted from model performance.
To predict trends in the relationship between parameters.

The benefits of dimensional analysis

Saving in time and money
Helps planning for coming experiment or theory/simulation
(before we spend money on computer analysis/simulation)
Provides scaling laws that can convert data from a cheap, small
model to design information for an expensive, large prototype.
E.g : The force, F on a particular body shape immersed in a fluid
stream is depend on the body length, L, fluid velocity, V, fluid
density, and fluid viscosity, or F = f(L, V, , ).
Because of the geometry and flow condition are so complicated,
the theory fail to yield the solution for F. Therefore, the
function of f(L, V, , ) must be find experimentally (or
numerically). If we want to predict the effect of L to the F, we
have to run the experiment for 10 length L. For each L we
need 10 values of V, 10 value of and 10 value . Or in other
words we have to run about 10 000 experiments which
involved a very high cost. If each experiment is cost about
RM, totally we have to spend about RM.
When using the dimensional analysis, we could reduce the
variable involved becomes, F/( V2L2) = g ( VL/). The
experiment need to run only for 10 value of Re not for each
single variable of L, V, or .

The Buckingham PI Theorem

There are some method can be used in predicting the
nondimensional parameters/group - Rayleigh,
Buckingham, Stepby-step (Ipsen).
The most popular method the Theorem of
Buckingham (Edgar Buckingham 1867-1940)
Based on two theorem of Buckingham :
If a problem involving m variables, it can be reduced to a
relationship among independent dimensionless products,
where n is the minimum number of reference dimensions
required to describe the variables.
Each of group is consist of n repeating variables and one
non-repeating variable.

7 steps in doing Buckingham analysis

1. List and count m variables involved. If any important variables are
missing, dimensional analysis will fail.
2. List the dimensions of each variable and count n where n = number
of primary dimension involved (according to MLT OR FLT system)
3. Determine the group exist where = m n
4. Select n repeating variables (based on the guideline in selecting the
repeating variables)
A. Geometry similarity
B. Kinematic similarity
C. Dynamic similarity
5. Form the group of s with combining the repeating variables with one
of the non-repeating variable.
6. Check all the resulting terms to make sure they are dimensionless.
7. Express the final form as a relationship among the terms as :
1 = (2, 3,, m-n)

TEXT

EXAMPLE 7.1
Force F induced on a propeller blade is a function of
diameter of propeller D, velocity of fluid u, density of
fluid , dynamic viscosity and rotation of propeller N.
Determine the non-dimensional groups.

CHAPTER 7

MODELING AND PROTOTYPE SIMILARITY

In most experiments, to save time and money, tests are performed on a
geometrically scaled model, rather than on the full-scale prototype.
In such cases, care must be taken to properly scale the results. We introduce
here a powerful technique called dimensional analysis.
The three primary purposes of dimensional analysis are
To generate nondimensional parameters that help in the design of experiments
(physical and/or numerical) and in the reporting of experimental results
To obtain scaling laws so that prototype performance can be predicted from
model performance
To (sometimes) predict trends in the relationship between parameters
The principle of similarity
Three necessary conditions for complete similarity between a model and a
prototype.
(1) Geometric similaritythe model must be the same shape as the prototype,
but may be scaled by some constant scale factor.
(2) Kinematic similaritythe velocity at any point in the model flow must be
proportional (by a constant scale factor) to the velocity at the corresponding
point in the prototype flow.

CHAPTER 7

MODELING AND PROTOTYPE SIMILARITY (CONT.)

(3) dynamic similarityWhen all forces in the model flow scale by a constant
factor to corresponding forces in the prototype flow (force-scale
equivalence).

Kinematic similarity is
achieved when, at all
locations, the speed in the
model flow is proportional to
that at corresponding
locations in the prototype
flow, and points in the same
direction.
n

In a general flow field, complete similarity between a model and prototype

is achieved only when there is geometric, kinematic, and dynamic similarity.
15

CHAPTER 7

MODELING AND PROTOTYPE SIMILARITY (CONT.)

Geometric Similarity
-
-

the model must have the same shape as the prototype.

each length dimension must be scaled by the same factor.

E.g : For above one-tenth-scale model of prototype wing

- the model length are 1/10 as large , but the angle of attack is
remain the same : 10 not 1.
- Model nose is 1/10 as large
- Model surface roughness is 1/10 as large
- If the prototype is constructed with protruding fasteners, the
model also should have homologous protruding fasterners 1/10
as large.

CHAPTER 7

MODELING AND PROTOTYPE SIMILARITY (CONT.)

Kinematic Similarity
Velocity at any point in the model must be proportional (velocity
scale ratio must be the same for both scale model and
prototype).

CHAPTER 7

MODELING AND PROTOTYPE SIMILARITY (CONT.)

Dynamic Similarity

All forces in the model flow scale by a constant factor to

corresponding forces in the prototype flow.

CHAPTER 7

MODELING AND PROTOTYPE SIMILARITY (CONT.)

We let uppercase Greek letter Pi () denote a nondimensional parameter.

In a general dimensional analysis problem, there is one that we call the

dependent , giving it the notation 1.
n

The parameter 1 is in general a function of several other s, which we

call independent s.
n

To ensure complete similarity, the model and prototype must be geometrically

similar, and all independent groups must match between model and prototype.
n

To achieve similarity

Geometric similarity between a

prototype car of length Lp and a model
car of length Lm.

The Reynolds number Re is formed by

the ratio of density, characteristic
speed, and characteristic length to
viscosity. Alternatively, it is the ratio of
characteristic speed and length to
kinematic viscosity, defined as =/.

The Reynolds number is the most well known and useful

23
dimensionless parameter in all of fluid mechanics.

A drag balance is a device

used
nin a wind tunnel to measure
the
naerodynamic drag of a body.
When testing automobile
models, a moving belt is often
added to the floor of the wind
tunnel to simulate the moving
ground (from the car s frame
of reference).
n

21

A drag balance is a device

used
nin a wind tunnel to measure
the
naerodynamic drag of a body.
When testing automobile
models, a moving belt is often
added to the floor of the wind
tunnel to simulate the moving
ground (from the car s frame
of reference).
n

23

CHAPTER 7

END OF CHAPTER 7
THANK YOU
Dr. Shahrul Azmir Osman