INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, KANPUR

Department of Materials Science and Engineering

MSE 202: Rate Processes: 2023-2024: SPRING SEMESTER

Tutorial 3: Dimensional analysis, Flow around spheres and Equations of change

(solutions to be discussed on 02/02/2024)

1. What is the Buckingham π Theorem?

2. (a) In class, we discussed about the friction factor, f , for flow through a pipe. Write the general definition
of the friction factor f and explain the terms involved.

(b) For the fully developed, laminar, and incompressible flow of a Newtonian fluid under steady state
conditions in a long and smooth horizontal pipe, express the friction factor f in terms of ∆ p , D , L, ρ
and v z where symbols have usual meaning. Now use the Buckingham π Theorem to show that for
this flow, f is only a function of Reynold’s Number (Re). Assume that the flow is 1-dimensional, and
it takes place along z -axis where z is measured along the length of the tube.

3. For flow through past spheres, the following relations between friction factor ( f ) and Reynolds Number
(Re) are known:

}
24 / ℜ ( ℜ≤ 0.1 )
f = 18.5 ¿ ℜ3 /5 ( 2< ℜ<500 )
0.44 ( 500< ℜ<2 ×10 )
5

The product of the deoxidation of liquid steel by aluminium is solid alumina. If the solid alumina forms
as small spheres at the bottom of the steel bath, calculate the time required by a spherical alumina
particle of radius 0.25 mm to float on the surface of a 1.5m steel bath. The following are given.

3
ρ Alumina =4000 kg/m
3
ρ steel=7160 kg /m
µsteel=0.0061 kg /m∙ s
2
g=9.8 kg /m

4. In class, we derived the differential form of the momentum conservation equations in the rectangular co-
ordinate system. Now let us consider a flow fully developed, incompressible, steady-state, laminar flow
of a Newtonian fluid between two stationary horizontal parallel plates. Assume the flow is 1-dimensional
and takes place only along x -axis (see figure below).

(a) Write the applicable form of the momentum conservation equation along x -axis in terms of velocity,
velocity gradients and the pressure gradient.

(b) Solve the equation and apply appropriate boundary conditions to obtain the velocity profile of the
fluid.