Dimensional Analysis

University of Benin
and
Similarity

Engr. Martin Osikhuemhe

 Introduction
 Compared to other engineering subjects, Fluid mechanics relies more on the use of empirical results built

from extensive research.

 The empirical data in some cases are in form of tables and charts which can be used directly, e.g friction

factor for pipe flow.

 These tables and charts can become bulky, clumsy and time consuming to handle.

 It is in the organization and presentation of experimental work that Dimensional Analysis comes into play.

 Using DA, the parameters likely to affect a system are combined into dimensionless groupings, thus

facilitating the testing and reducing the overall test ptogram.

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 Together with Similarity, they are associated with models and models testing techniques, which allows the

designer to predict accurately and economically the behavior of the prototype system.
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 Dimensional Analysis and Similarity
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 Dimension

 Various quantities used in fluid phenomenon are expressed in terms of fundamental or primary quantities.

 These fundamental quantities are Mass, Length and Time. Dimensions are M, L and T.

 Temperature also make the list with the dimension θ.

 Derived or secondary quantities are expressed in terms of the fundamental quantities. Examples are

Area, volume, density, etc

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 Dimension
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Dimensions

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 Dimension

Dimensional quantities are grouped into :

 Geometric Quantities, where Length provides the basis of the quantities in the group

 Kinematic Quantities, Time is the basis for the dimensions in this group

 Dynamic Quantities, Newton’s 2nd law provides for the basis of derived dimensions, and

 Thermodynamic properties, where Temperature is the basis for defination

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Dimensional Analysis

University of Benin
and
Similarity

Engr. Martin Osikhuemhe

 Introduction
 Compared to other engineering subjects, Fluid mechanics relies more on the use of empirical results built

from extensive research.

 The empirical data in some cases are in form of tables and charts which can be used directly, e.g friction

factor for pipe flow.

 These tables and charts can become bulky, clumsy and time consuming to handle.

 It is in the organization and presentation of experimental work that Dimensional Analysis comes into play.

 Using DA, the parameters likely to affect a system are combined into dimensionless groupings, thus

facilitating the testing and reducing the overall test ptogram.

Uniben

 Together with Similarity, they are associated with models and models testing techniques, which allows the

designer to predict accurately and economically the behavior of the prototype system.
9
 Dimensional Analysis and Similarity
Uniben

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 Dimension

 Various quantities used in fluid phenomenon are expressed in terms of fundamental or primary quantities.

 These fundamental quantities are Mass, Length and Time. Dimensions are M, L and T.

 Temperature also make the list with the dimension θ.

 Derived or secondary quantities are expressed in terms of the fundamental quantities. Examples are

Area, volume, density, etc

Uniben

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 Dimension
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Dimensions

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 Dimension

Dimensional quantities are grouped into :

 Geometric Quantities, where Length provides the basis of the quantities in the group

 Kinematic Quantities, Time is the basis for the dimensions in this group

 Dynamic Quantities, Newton’s 2nd law provides for the basis of derived dimensions, and

 Thermodynamic properties, where Temperature is the basis for defination

Uniben

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Dimensions

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Dimensional Reasoning and Homogeneity

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Example 1

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 Example 1

Solution
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 Example 1

Solution
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 Example 1

Solution
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Example 2

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Example 2

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Example 2

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Example 2

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Methods of Dimensional Analysis

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 (i) Rayleigh’s Indicial Method of Dimensional Analysis
The indical method uses the indices of the variables to determine their dimensional properties
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 Example 1

Solution
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 Example 1

Solution
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 Example 2

Solution
The mathematical relationship is defined mathematically as:
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