VIDYA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, THRISSUR

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

MECHANICS OF FLUIDS
MODULE 5 .

DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS

Lecture slides

Mechanical Engg. Dept, Vidya Academy of Science & Technology, Thrissur

DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS

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For predicting the performance of the structures before actually constructing or
manufacturing models of the structures or machines are made.

Then tests are performed on them to obtain the desired information.

For example hydraulic structures (such as dams, splillways etc) or hydraulic machines
(such as turbines , pumps etc.) are undergone model analysis.

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Model & prototypes of a Dam
The model is the small scale replica of the actual structure or machine.

The actual structure or machine is called prototype.

It is not necessary that the models shoould be smaller than the prototypes, they may be
larger than the prototype.

The study of models of actual machines is called Model analysis.

Model & prototypes of a Wind turbine 24

Model analysis is actually an experimental method of finding solutions of complex flow
problems.

The following are the advantages of the dimensional and model analysis:

1. The performance of the hydraulic structure or hydraulic machine can be easily

predicted, in advance, from its model.

2. A relationship between the variables influencing a flow problem in terms of

dimensionless parameters is obtained. This helps in conducting model tests.

3. The merits of alternative designs can be predicted with the help of medel testing. The
most economical and safe designs are finally obtained.

4. The tests performed on the models can be utilized for otaining useful information about
the performance of the prototypes. This is possible only if a complete similarity exists
between the model and the prototype.

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Similitude is defined as the similarity between the model and its prototype in every respect.

It means that the model and prototype have similar properties or model and prototype are
completely similar.

Three types of similarities exist between the model and prototype. They are:

1. Geometric similarity

2. Kinematic similarity

3. Dynamic simillarity

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