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Tutorial -11 Buckingham Pi (π) theorem EM2102

Prob. 1 Develop an equation using Buckingham Pi theorem for the distance traveled by a
freely falling body in time t, assuming the distance depends upon the weight of the body,
the acceleration of gravity and the time.

Prob. 2 Assuming that the drag force F exerted by flowing fluid on a body is a function of
the density ρ, dynamic viscosity µ and velocity of the fluid v, and a characteristics length of
the body L, develop a general equation.

Prob 3. Develop the expression for lost head in a horizontal pipe for turbulent
incompressible flow. (Note: For any fluid, the lost head is represented by the drop in pressure
(p1 - p2) = ∆p gradient and is measure of the resistance to flow through the pipe. The
resistance is a function of the diameter of the pipe D, the viscosity µ and density ρ of the
fluid, the length of the pipe L, the velocity of the fluid v, and the roughness K of the pipe).

Fig. Head loss affect by different parameters fluid and pipe

Note 1: If the flow were compressible, another physical quantity, bulk modulus E, would be included
and the 5th π-term would yield the dimensionless group ratio (E/ρv2 )

This is usually written in the from {V/√(E/ρ)} which is the Mach Number (used in gas dynamics)

Note 2: If gravity should enter the general flow problem, the gravitational force would be another
physical quantity and the 6th π-term would yield the dimensionless group ratio (v2/g L)
This term is identified as Froude Number (commonly used in analysis of flow behavoiur in open channel
hydraulics)

Note 3: If the surface tension ϭ should enter the general flow problem, another physical quantity is
added which yields 7th π-term. This π-term would take the form of dimensionless group

Ratio (v2 L ρ /σ) , which is the Weber Number (it is often useful in analyzing fluid flows where there
is an interface between two different fluids, especially for multiphase flows with strongly curved
surfaces).