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Chapter 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
Chapter 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
8.0 Introduction
Objectives:
- introduce concept of model study for the analysis of the flow phenomena that could not be
- introduce laws of similitude which provide a basis for interpretation of model results
quantities
8-1
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
8.0 Introduction
Most real fluid flows are complex and can be solved only approximately by analytical
methods.
Real System
Set of assumptions
(FDM/FEM/FVM)
8-2
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
1) Number of possible and relevant variables or physical parameters in real system is huge and
2) Many real flow situations are either too large or far too small for convenient experiment at
→ When testing the real thing (prototype) is not feasible, a physical model (scaled version of
the prototype) can be constructed and the performance of the prototype simulated in the
physical model.
▪ Model study
Models began to be used to study flow phenomena that could not be solved by analytical
(theoretical) methods.
[Ex]
automobiles
8-3
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
controlled.
▪ Laws of similitude
- provide a basis for interpretation of physical and numerical model results and crafting both
▪ Dimensional analysis
8-4
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
Similitude of flow phenomena not only occurs between a prototype and it modelbut also may
There are three basic types of similitude; all three must be obtained if complete similarity is
Geometrical similarity
Kinematic similarity
Dynamic similarity
1) Geometrical similarity
8-5
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
~ Flow field and boundary geometry of model and of the prototype have the same shape.
→ The ratios between corresponding lengths in model and prototype are the same.
~ The flows are not similar and the models have to be calibrated and adjusted to make them
perform properly.
d p lp
d=
r = = lr
d m lm
• Area
2 2
Ap d p l p
= =
Am d m lm
• Volume
3 3
Vol p d p l p
= =
Volm d m lm
2) Kinematic similarity
8-6
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
In addition to the flowfields having the same shape, the ratios of corresponding velocities and
3) Dynamic similarity
In order to maintain the geometric and kinematic similarity between flowfields, the forces
acting on corresponding fluid masses must be related by ratios similar to those for kinematic
similarity.
Consider gravity, viscous and pressure forces, and apply Newton’s 2nd law
F1 p F2 p F3 p M p a4 p
= = = (8.2)
F1m F2 m F3m M m a4 m
Define inertia force as the product of the mass and the acceleration
FI = M a
4) Complete similarity
8-7
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
→ If the mass distributions in flows are similar, then kinematic similarity (density ratio for
the corresponding fluid mass are the same) guarantees complete similarity from Eq. (8.2).
F1m + F2 m + F3m =
M m a4 m (b)
If the ratios between three of the four corresponding terms in Eq.(a) and Eq.(b) are the same,
the ratio between the corresponding fourth terms be the same as that the other three. Thus,
one of the ratio of Eq.(8.2) is redundant. If the first force ratio is eliminated,
M p a4 p M m a4 m
= (8.3)
F2 p F2 m
M p a4 p M m a4 m
= (8.4)
F3 p F3m
Pressure force: (∆ p) A =
Fp = ∆ pl 2
V 2
Inertia force: = =
FI M a ρl = ρV l
3
2 2
l
Gravity force: = =
FG M g ρ l3g
8-8
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
dv V
Viscosity force: =FV µ=
dy A µ=
l µV l
2
l
Elasticity force: F=
E = E l2
EA
Surface tension: FT = σ l
Here l and V are characteristic length and velocity for the system.
▪ Dynamic similarity
To obtain dynamic similarity between two flowfields when all these forces act, all
8-9
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
(i)
FI FI ρV 2 ρV 2
= = = (8.5)
F
p
p m ∆p p ∆p m
Fp
ρ
Define Euler number, Eu = V
2 ∆p
Eu p = Eum
FI FI ρV l ρV l
(ii) = = =
FV p FV m µ p µ m (8.6)
Vl
Define Reynolds number, Re =
ν
F F V 2 V 2
(iii) =
I
=
I
=
FG p FG m g l p g l m (8.7)
V
Define Froude number, Fr =
gl
FI FI ρV 2 ρV 2
(iv) = = =
E p E m E p E m
F F
(8.8)
ρV 2
Define Cauchy number, Ca =
E
8-10
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
Ca p = Cam
V
[Cf] Define Mach number, =
Ma =
Ca
E ρ
Ma p = Mam
FI FI ρ lV 2 ρ lV 2
(v) = = =
T p T m σ p σ m
F F
(8.9)
ρ lV 2
Define Weber number, We =
σ
We p = Wem
Only four of these equations are independent. → One equation is redundant according to the
argument leading to Eq. (8.3) & (8.4). → If four equations are simultaneously satisfied, then
In most engineering problems (real world), some of the forces above (1) may not act, (2) may
be of negligible magnitude, or (3) may oppose other forces in such a way that the effect of
both is reduced.
determine how the problem may be simplified by the elimination of the irrelevant, negligible,
or compensating forces.
8-11
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
1. Reynolds similarity
For low-speed submerged body problem, there are no surface tension phenomena, negligible
→ Dynamic similarity is obtained between model and prototype when the Reynolds numbers
V l V l
= =
Re =
Re (8.6)
ν p ν m
p m
D D
=
FI p FI m
D D
2 2
= 2 2
ρ V l p ρ V l m
8-12
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
Geometric similarity:
(d2 d1 ) p = ( d 2 d1 ) m
l l
=
d1 p d1 m
Assume roughness pattern is similar, surface tension and elastic effect are nonexistent.
Accordingly dynamic similarity results when Reynolds similarity, Eq. (8.6) is satisfied.
Re p = Rem
FI FI p1 − p2 p1 − p2
= → 2
=
2 (8.5)
FP p FP m ρ V p ρ V m
8-13
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
◈ Reynolds similarity
① Velocity:
R ep
R e p = R em =
1=
, R er 1
R em
Vd Vd Vm ν m 1 ν d
= → = =m ⋅ p
ν p ν m Vp ν p d m ν p dm
dp
−1
Vm d m
If ν m =ν p → =
V p d p
② Discharge: Q = VA
2 2
Qm d m Vm dm ν m 1 ν m dm
= = =
dp ν p m ν p dp
Qp d
Vp
d p
dp
③ Time:
lm
2
Tm Vm lm 1 lm 1 d m ν p lm
= = = =
Tp lp l p Vm l p ν m d p ν m l p
Vp Vp νp
④ Force:
(=
m l T ) (ρ l l T )
2
Fm
2 3 2
µm ρ p
= =
m m m m m m m
Fp (m l T ) ( ρ l l T )
p p
2
p
3
p p p
2
p p ρm
µ
⑤ Pressure:
Pm µm ρ p l p
2 2
=
Pp µ p ρ m lm
8-14
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
Prototype: Water 0 C
µp =1.781 × 10−3 Pa ⋅ s
ρ p = 99.8 kg/m3
1.781× 10−3
=
vp = 1.78 × 10−6 m 2 /s
998.8
=
d p 75mm,=
V p 3m/s, =
∆p 14 kPa,=l p 10 m
Model: Gasoline 20 C
µm =×
2.9 10−4 Pa ⋅ s (Table A 2.1)
vm 4.27 × 10−7 m 2 /s
=
d m = 25 mm
−1
Vm vm d m 4.27 × 10−7 25
= = = / 0.753
V p v p d p 1.78 × 10−6 75
∴
= = 2.26 m/s
Vm 0.753(3)
Eu p = Eum
∆p ∆p
2 = 2
eV p eV m
14 ∆pm
=
[998.8 × (3) ] [679.2 × (2.26) 2 ]
2
8-15
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
2. Froude similarity
For flow field about an object moving on the surface of a liquid such as ship model (William
Froude, 1870)
V V
=
Frp g l=
=
Frm gl (8.7)
p m
Vm g m lm
=
Vp g p lp
8-16
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
For ship hulls, the contribution of wave pattern and frictional action to the drag are the same
order.
v v Vm g l
Frp =Frm = = → = m m (a)
g l p g l m Vp g p lp
ν l
R e p = R em = = → m = m p
Vl Vl V
(b)
ν p ν m V p ν p lm
0.5 1.5
g m lm ν m l p ν g m lm
= → m =
g p l p ν p lm ν p g p l p
This requires
(a) A liquid of appropriate viscosity must be found for the model test.
For g m = g p
1.5 1.5
ν m lm lm
= → ν= νp l
ν p lp m
p
lm 1 ν
If = → νm =
l p 10 31.6
Water: µ=
1.0 × 10−3 Pa ⋅ s
8-17
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
Hydrogen: µ=
0.21 × 10−4 Pa ⋅ s
8-18
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
◈ Froude law
① Velocity
Vm g m lm
=
Vp g p lp
l
② Time T =
v
Tm lm V p lm g p lp g p lm
= = =
Tp l p Vm l p g m lm gm l p
③ Discharge Q = vA
2 2 0.5 2.5
Qm Vm lm g m lm l m g m l m
= = =
Q p Vp l p g p lp lp g p lp
④ Force
Fm ρ m lm
3
=
Fp ρ p l p
⑤ Pressure
Pm ρ m lm
=
Pp ρ p l p
8-19
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
l p = 120 m , lm = 3 m , V p = 56 km h Dm = 9 N
[Sol]
V V
gl = gl (8.7)
p m
lm 3 1
l=
r = =
l p 120 40
( g l )m 56 × 103 3
12
=Vm V= = 2.46 m s
p
( g l)p 3600 120
D D
ρ V 2 l2 = ρ V 2 l2 (8.15)
p m
(ρ V 2 l2 )p 2
56 × 103 3600 120
2
Dp =
Dm =
9× × = 575.8 kN
( ρ V 2 l 2 )m 2.46 3
8-20
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
3. Mach similarity
~ gas, air
Vp ν p lm
R e p = R em → = (a)
Vm ν m lp
= = V= V
Ma Ma (8.8)
a p a m
p m
E
= =
where a sonic velocity
ρ
Vp ap
= (b)
Vm am
lp ν p am
=
lm ν m a p
8-21
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
• Velocity
Vm am Em ρ p
= =
Vp a p E p ρm
• Time
Tm lm V p E p ρ m lm
= =
Tp l p Vm Em ρ p l p
• Discharge
2 2
Qm lm V p E p ρ m lm
= =
Q p l p Vm Em ρ p l p
8-22
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
4. Euler Similarity
em =
V l V l
R=
e p R=
ν p ν m
p −p p −p
σ=
p σ=
m ρ V 2 = ρ V 2
0 v 0 v
(8.5)
0 p 0 m
p0 − pv
σ = = cavitation number
ρV 2
p0 = absolute pressure
pv = vapor pressure
8-23
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
Q p = 600 m3 s
lm 1
l=
r =
l p 15
[Sol]
0.5 2.5
Qm g m lm
=
Qp g p lp
2.5
lm
2.5
600
1
=Qm Q=
p
lp 15
= 0.69
= m3 s 690 l/s
8-24
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
Dimensional analysis
homogeneous.
~ powerful tool in formulating problems which defy analytical solution and must be solved
experimentally.
the formation of dimensionless groups, some of which are identical with the force ratios
length, L
mass, M or force, F
time, t
thermodynamic temperature T
8-25
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
ML
= =
F M a
t2
~ There are only independent fundamental dimensions.
Suppose that the relation between these four variables is unknown but it is known that these
P = f ( Q , γ , ET ) (a)
Q = flow rate
→ Quantities involved cannot be added or subtracted since their dimensions are different.
P = C Q a γ b ETc (b)
a, b, c = unknown exponents
8-26
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
a b
ML2 L3 M
= 2 2 ( L )c (c)
t Lt
3
t
Using the principle of dimensional homogeneity, the exponent of each of the fundamental
M : 1= b
L : 2 = 3a − 2b + c
t : − 3 =−a − 2b
=
a 1,=
b 1,=
c 1
P = C Q γ ET (d)
② an experimental measurement of P, Q, γ , ET
8-27
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
~ generalized method to find useful dimensionless groups of variables to describe process (E.
Buckingham, 1915)
▪ Buckingham′s Π - theorem
[Ex]
k ≤m
D
π1 =
ρ l2V 2
ρVl
π= R=
2 e
µ
V
π=
3 F=
r
gl
8-28
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
f ( D, l , ρ , µ , V , g ) = 0
V , l, ρ
t , L, M
Other variables D, µ , g appear only in the unique group describing the ratio of inertia force
• Procedure:
1. Find the largest number of variables which do not form a dimensionless Π - group.
∴ No. of Π - group = n − k =3
3. Combine sequentially the variables that cannot be formed into a dimensionless group, with
Π1 =f1 ( D, ρ , V , l )
Π 2 =f 2 ( µ , ρ , V , l )
Π 3 =f 3 ( g , ρ , V , l )
8-29
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
dimensional homogeneity.
i) Π1
Π1 =D a ρ b V c l d (a)
a b c
ML M L
M L t = 2 3 ( L)
0 0 0 d
(b)
t L t
M : 0= a + b
L : 0 = a − 3b + c + d
t : 0=−2 a − c
b=
−a , c =
−2 a , d =
−2 a
a
D
= ρ V l
Π1 D = a
ρ l2 V 2
−a −2 a −2 a
The exponent may be taken as any convenient number other than zero.
If a = 1, then
8-30
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
D
Π1 = (c)
ρ l2V 2
ii) Π2
Π 2 =µ a ρ b V c l d
a b c
M M L
M L t = 3 ( L)
0 0 0 d
Lt L t
M : 0= a + b
L : 0 =−a − 3b + c + d
t : 0 =−a − c
b=
−a , c =
−a , d =
−a
a
µ
=Π2 µ =
ρ V l ρ lV
a −a −a −a
If a = -1, then
V lρ
Π
= = Re (d)
2
µ
iii) Π3
Π 3 =g a l b ρ c V d
8-31
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
a c d
L M L
M L t = 2 Lb 3
0 0 0
t L t
M : 0=c
L : 0 = a + b − 3c + d
t : 0=
−2a − d
b = a , c = 0, d = −2a
a
gl −2 a
=Π3 g =
l V 2
a a
(e)
V
If a = -1/2, then
V
Π
= 3 = Fr
gl
D
f ′ 2 2 , Re, Fr = 0
ρl V
D
= f ′′ ( Re, Fr )
ρ l2 V 2
Dimensional analysis
8-32
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
~ arrange the numerous original variables into a relation between a smaller number of
f ( hL , D, l , ρ , µ , V , g ) = 0
Pipe
diameter
Repeating variables: l , ρ, V
Π1 =f1 ( hL , l , ρ , V )
Π 2 =f1 ( D, l , ρ , V )
Π 3 =f3 ( µ , l , ρ , V )
Π 4 =f 4 ( g , l , ρ , V )
(i) Π1 =hL l
a b
ρcV d
c d
M L
M L t =L L 3
0 0 0 a b
L t
M : 0=c
L : 0 = a + b − 3c + d
t : 0 = −d b = −a
a
h
∴ Π1 = L
l
8-33
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
h
If a = 1 : Π1 = L
l
(ii) Π 2 =D l
a b
ρcV d
c d
M L
M L t =L L 3
0 0 0 a b
L t
M : 0=c ①
L : 0 = a + b − 3c + d ②
t : 0 = −d ③
② : 0= a + b b = −a
a
D
∴ Π 2 =
l
D
If a = 1 : Π2 =
l
(iii) Π 3 =µ l ρcV d
a b
a c d
M bM L
M L t =
0 0 0
L 3
LT L t
M : 0= a + c ① → c=
d → c=
−a
L : 0 =−a + b − 3c + d ②
t : 0 =−a − d → d = −a ③
② d + b − 3d + d =0b=
d → b=
−a
∴ Π 3 =µ al − a ρ − a V − a
8-34
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
l ρV
If a = −1 ∴ Π
= = Re
3
µ
(iv) Π 4 =g l
a b
ρcV d
a c d
L M L
M L t = 2 Lb 3
0 0 0
t L t
M : 0=c ①
L : 0 = a + b − 3c + d ②
t : 0=
−2a − d ③
③ d = −2a
② 0 = a + b − 0 − 2a → b =
a
a
gl −2 a
=Π4 g =
l V a a
2
V
1 V
If a = − : Π
= 4 = Fr
2 gl
h l
f L , , Re, Fr = 0
l D
hL l
= f ′ , Re, Fr
l D
8-35
Ch. 8 Similitude and Dimensional Analysis
Homework Assignment # 8
Prob. 8.6
Prob. 8.10
Prob. 8.14
Prob. 8.20
Prob. 8.24
Prob. 8.30
Prob. 8.56
Prob. 8.59
8-36