Dimensional

Analysis, Prototype
and Model,
Similitude, Types of
Models, Expression
for Common Forces
Acting on a Fluid
Mass
Introduction
• Definition of dimensional analysis
• Prototype and model
• Similitude
• Types of models
• Expression for common forces
acting on a fluid mass
 Dimensional analysis is a
mathematical technique that is used
to study the relationship between
physical quantities

Definition of It is based on the principle that all

dimensional physical quantities can be expressed
analysis in terms of a limited number of
fundamental dimensions

The fundamental dimensions are

mass, length, time, temperature, and
electric current
 A prototype is the full-scale object
that is being studied

Prototype and Models are used to study the

model prototype in a safe and controlled
environment

They can also be used to study the

prototype in a way that would be
impractical or impossible to do
with the prototype itself
Similitude

• Geometric similitude: The model

and the prototype must have the
same geometric shape
• Kinematic similitude: The model
and the prototype must have the
same motion
• Dynamic similitude: The model
and the prototype must have the
same forces acting on them
Types of models

• There are two types of models:

distorted models and undistorted
models
• Distorted models are models that
are not geometrically similar to
the prototype
• Undistorted models are models
that are geometrically similar to
the prototype
Expression for
common forces acting
on a fluid mass
• Inertia force: F = ma
• Viscous force: F = μv/L
• Gravitational force: F = mg
• Elastic force: F = kx
• Pressure force: F = pA
• Surface tension force: F = σL
Conclusion

• Dimensional analysis, prototype

and model, similitude, types of
models, and expression for
common forces acting on a fluid
mass are all important concepts
in the study of fluid mechanics
• These concepts can be used to
design and conduct experiments,
and to analyze the results of
experiments
Questions?

• Do you have any questions about

this presentation?
• If so, please raise your hand and I
will be happy to answer them
Thank you!

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