1

FM-1, L # 11

Fluid Mechanics-1
Prepared by
Prof: A.S.Memon
Mechanical Engineering department.
2015
2
As there is a big complexity in hydraulic
(machineries and structures involves a huge
size like a dam) and in fluid dynamics
problems to make mathematical modeling
(writing of basic equation of fluid flow) due to
various parameters.
To make it convenient or to overcome this
complexity in fluid flow problem different
techniques or practical approaches are
adopted and these are completely based on
similitude . homogeneity or it is the concept
of similarity.
For validation of proposed engineering
design may be solved by making a model of
proposed item and testing the model at
simulated conditions by which the design
can be validated.
The results obtained by conducting tests on
model are applied on the prototype( original
size) using similarity conditions. For this, the
experimental results are usually expressed in
terms of non-dimensional factors related to
the physical phenomena, these may be
helped for mathematical methods are called
dimensional analysis.
SIMILITUDE
Refers to the methodology of predicting the performance of the
prototype by conducting experimental studies on the model. The
model test result s can be utilized to obtain advance information
about the prototype if the complete similarity exist between the
model and the prototype. To achieve complete similarity, the
following three types of similarities must be established
between model and prototype such as:

Two flows are said to be mechanically similar if the flows are

similar
(a) Geometrical
(b) Kinamatically and
(c) Dynamically as shown in figure:
Similitude is a concept applicable to the testing of engineering models. A
model is said to have similitude with the real application if the two share
geometric similarity, kinematic similarity and dynamic similarity.
prototype
1/20th scale model
AEROSPACE
 Primary purposes of dimensional analysis
 To generate nondimensional parameters that help in the
design of experiments (physical and/or numerical) and
in reporting of results
 To obtain scaling laws so that prototype performance
can be predicted from model performance.
 To predict trends in the relationship between
parameters.
Dimensional Analysis and
Similarity
 Geometric Similarity - the model must be the
same shape as the prototype. Each dimension
must be scaled by the same factor.
 Kinematic Similarity - velocity as any point in
the model must be proportional
 Dynamic Similarity - all forces in the model flow
scale by a constant factor to corresponding forces
in the prototype flow.
 Complete Similarity is achieved only if all 3
conditions are met.
(a) Geometrical similarity means similarity in shape, form and
size between model and prototype if the ratio of length
dimension of prototype and model are equal
(b) Kinematic similarity means similarity in velocity and
acceleration and discharge between model and prototype if
the ratio of direction or path and velocity of prototype and
model are similar.
(c) Dynamic similarity means similarity of forces between
model and prototype if the ratio of forces of prototype and
model are equal
PHYSICAL QUANTITIES
1. FUNDAMENETAL QUANTITIES OR PRIMARY PARAMETERS
2. DERIVED QUANTITIES OR SECONDARY PARAMETERS

Mass, length, time and temperature are known as primary

parameters and the quantities which are expressed in terms
of primary parameters are called derived quantities or
secondary parameters.
The expression for derived quantities in terms of primary
parameters is called dimension of physical quantities.
The system by which the quantities are defined are MLT
system and FLT system.
Similarity
 Complete similarity is ensured if all independent
 groups are the same between model and
prototype.
 What is ?
 We let uppercase Greek letter  denote a
nondimensional parameter, e.g.,Reynolds number Re,
Froude number Fr, Drag coefficient, CD, etc.

• Consider automobile experiment

• Drag force is F = f(V, , L)
• Through dimensional analysis, we can reduce the
problem to
 MLT-(MASS, LENGTH AND TIME)
SYSTEM OF EXPRESSION
F = ma
Mass x length / time2
M L / T2
Dimensions and Units
 All non-primary dimensions can be formed by a
combination of the 7 primary dimensions
 Examples
 {Velocity} = {Length/Time} = {L/t}
 {Force} = {Mass Length/Time} = {mL/t2}
Dimensional Homogeneity
 Law of dimensional homogeneity (DH): every additive
term in an equation must have the same dimensions
 Example: Bernoulli equation

 {p} = {force/area}={mass x length/time x 1/length2} = {m/(t2L)}

 {1/2V2} = {mass/length3 x (length/time)2} = {m/(t2L)}
 {gz} = {mass/length3 x length/time2 x length} ={m/(t2L)}