ME52 _ FLUID MECHANICS

NOTES OF LESSON
UNIT 3: Dimensional Analysis
Dimensional Analysis:
It is a mathematical technique used for solving engineering problems with the help of
fundamental dimensions. All physical quantities are measured by comparison, which is made
with respect to an arbitrarily fixed value. Length L, mass M and time T are three fixed
dimensions. Dimensional analysis helps in arranging various variables of physical quantities in a
systematic way and then combines them to form non-dimensional groups. This considerably
reduces the number of variables in a given physical situation and thus becomes easy to present
the experimental results in a concise form.
Secondary or Derived Quantities
These are the quantities which possess more than one fundamental dimension. For example,
-1

-3

velocity is denoted by distance per unit time (LT ), density by mass per unit volume (ML ) and
acceleration by distance per second square (LT-2). Then velocity, density and acceleration
become secondary or derived quantities.
Table of fundamental and derived dimensions of various physical quantities
Sl.

Physical Quantity

No.

Units

Dimensions

Fundamental
1

Mass

gms

Length

Mm, cm, m

Time

seconds

T
L2

Geometric Property
4

Area

mm2, cm2, m2

Volume

Mm , cm , m

Kinematic Property
6
7

Linear velocity, Tangential speed

m/s

Linear acceleration, Acceleration due

m/s

LT-1

to gravity (g)

-2

LT

-1

Angular velocity, Rotational Speed

rad/s, rev/min, rev/sec

Angular acceleration

rad/s2

T-2

10

Discharge, Volume flow rate

m3/s

L3T-1

11

Mass flow rate

Kgmass/s

MT

12

Kinematic viscosity

m2/s

L2T-1

MLT

-1

Dynamic Property
13

Force

Newton (N)

14

Density, mass density

kgmass/m3

-2

ML-3

[No. of pages-8]
Notes of lesson by S. K. Jagadeesh, Associate Professor, Dept. of Mech. Engg. Dr. Ambedkar Inst. of Technology, BLR.
Last Update - Nov-14)

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ME52 _ FLUID MECHANICS

NOTES OF LESSON
UNIT 3: Dimensional Analysis
3

-2 -2

15

Specific weight, weight density

Kgweight/m , N/m

16

Dynamic viscosity

Ns/m

17

Pressure, Change in pressure

N/m2

ML-1T-2

18

Work, Energy, Torque

Nm, Joule

ML T

19

Power

Nm/s, Watt, Joule/s

ML2T-3

20

Enthalpy

Joule/kgmass

ML T

-1 -1

ML T

2 -2

2 -2

LT

Dimensional Homogeneity
It means that the dimension of each term on both sides of an equation is equal. Such an
equation is dimensionally homogeneous equation. The powers of fundamental dimensions (M.
L, T) on both sides of such an equation will be identical. A dimensionally homogeneous
equation is independent of the system of units.
For example; consider the equation,

V = 2 gH

Consider the dimensions of LHS of the equation:

V = L = LT- 1
T

Consider the dimensions of RHS of the equation:

2 gh =

L
L = LT 1
T2

From the above, it is seen that: Dimensions of LHS = Dimensions of RHS

Therefore, the equation

V = 2 gH is dimensionally homogeneous.

Methods of Dimensional Analysis

1) Raleighs method:
It is used for determining the expression for a variable which depends upon maximum of three
or four variables only.
If X is a variable which depends on X1, X2 and X3 variables, then X is a function of X1, X2 and X3.
It is written as X = f (X1, X2, X3)
Or

X = K. X1a. X2b. X3c

Where K is a constant and a, b, and c are arbitrary exponents that are evaluated by equating
the powers of the fundamental dimensions of the variables on both sides of the equation.
2) Buckingham -method:
Statement of Buckingham -theorem: If there are n variables (dependent and independent) in a
dimensionally homogeneous equation and if these variables contain m fundamental
dimensions, then the variables are arranged into n-m dimensionless groups known as
terms.
Let a variable X1 depends on variables X1, X2, X3 Xn.
The functional relationship is given by: X1 = f(X2, X3 Xn)
[No. of pages-8]
Notes of lesson by S. K. Jagadeesh, Associate Professor, Dept. of Mech. Engg. Dr. Ambedkar Inst. of Technology, BLR.
Last Update - Nov-14)

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ME52 _ FLUID MECHANICS

NOTES OF LESSON
UNIT 3: Dimensional Analysis
Or it can be written as: F(X1, X2, X3 Xn) = constant
The above dimensionally homogeneous equation contains n variables. If there are m fundamental
dimensions, then the equation can be arranged into n-m number of terms which are
dimensionless.
i.e., F (1, 2 n-m) = constant

Types of Forces Acting in a Moving Fluid

In fluid flow problems, the forces acting on a fluid mass may be one, or a combination of the several
of the following forces:
1. Inertia force, Fi
2. Viscous force, Fv
3. Gravity force, Fg
4. Pressure force, Fp
5. Surface tension force, Fs
6. Elastic force, Fe
1. Inertia Force, Fi: It is equal to the product of mass and acceleration of the flowing fluid and
acts in the direction opposite to the direction of acceleration. This force always exists in a
fluid flow problem.
Inertia force, Fi = Mass x Acceleration of flowing fluid
=

ma

= V

v
t

V
v
t

Av v

Fi =

Av 2

[ =density, V =volume,

v =velocity, t =time, A =Area]

2. Viscous force, Fv: It is equal to the product of shear stress due to viscosity and surface
area of the flow. It is present in fluid flow problems where viscosity of fluid is considered to
be dominant.
Viscous force, Fv = Shear stress x Area
=

du
A
dy

[No. of pages-8]
Notes of lesson by S. K. Jagadeesh, Associate Professor, Dept. of Mech. Engg. Dr. Ambedkar Inst. of Technology, BLR.
Last Update - Nov-14)

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ME52 _ FLUID MECHANICS

NOTES OF LESSON
UNIT 3: Dimensional Analysis
Fv =

v
A
L

3. Gravity force, Fg: It is equal to the product of mass and acceleration due to gravity of the
flowing fluid. It is dominant in case of open surface flows such as flow over channels.
Gravity force, Fg = Mass x Acceleration due to gravity
=

m g

V g

Fg =

AL g

4. Pressure force, Fp: It is equal to the product of pressure intensity and cross-sectional area
of the flowing fluid. It is present in most of pipe flows.
Pressure force, Fp = Intensity of pressure x Area
=

p A

5. Surface tension force, Fs: It is equal to the product of surface tension and length of
surface of the flowing fluid.
Surface tension force, Fs = Surface tension per unit length x Length
=

6. Elastic force, Fe: It is equal to the product of elastic stress and area of the flowing fluid.
Elastic force, Fe = Elastic stress x Area
=

Dimensionless Numbers
1. Reynolds number
It is defined as the ratio of inertia force of a flowing fluid to its viscous force. Mathematically, it is
written as

Re =

Fi
Av 2 vL vL
=
=
=
Fv vA

In case of pipe flow, the linear dimension L is taken as diameter, D.

Significance: Reynolds number its application in situations such as:
1) motion of aero planes
2) flow of incompressible fluid in closed pipes
3) flow around structures and other bodies immersed completely under moving fluids

[No. of pages-8]
Notes of lesson by S. K. Jagadeesh, Associate Professor, Dept. of Mech. Engg. Dr. Ambedkar Inst. of Technology, BLR.
Last Update - Nov-14)

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ME52 _ FLUID MECHANICS

NOTES OF LESSON
UNIT 3: Dimensional Analysis
2. Froudes number
It is defined as the square root of the ratio of inertia force of a flowing fluid to its gravitational
force. Mathematically, it is expressed as

Fr =

Fi
=
Fg

Av 2
=
ALg

v
Lg

Significance: The Froudes number finds its application in situations such as:
1) free surface flows such as flow over sluice, spillways, etc.,
2) flow of jet from an orifice or a nozzle
3) where waves are likely to be formed on the surface
4) where fluids of different mass densities flow over one another
3. Eulers number, Eu
It is defined as the square root of the ratio of the inertia force of the flowing fluid to its pressure
force. Mathematically, it written as

Eu =

Fi
=
Fp

Av 2
pA

v
p

Significance: The Eulers number finds application in situations such as:

1) phenomenon of cavitation
2) enclosed fluid system where turbulence is fully developed
4. Webers number
It is defined as the square root of the ratio of the inertia force of the flowing fluid to its surface
tension force. Mathematically it is expressed as

We =

Fi
=
Fs

Av 2
=
L

v
L2 v 2
=
L

Significance: The Webers number finds application in situations such as:

1) very thin sheet of liquid flowing over a surface
2) capillary waves in channels
3) capillary movement of water in soil

5. Mach number
It is the square root of the ratio of the inertia force of the flowing fluid to its elastic force.
Mathematically, it is expressed as
[No. of pages-8]
Notes of lesson by S. K. Jagadeesh, Associate Professor, Dept. of Mech. Engg. Dr. Ambedkar Inst. of Technology, BLR.
Last Update - Nov-14)

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ME52 _ FLUID MECHANICS

NOTES OF LESSON
UNIT 3: Dimensional Analysis

M =

Fi
=
Fe

v
Av 2
=
A

v
C

where C is the velocity of sound in the fluid.

Significance: The Mach number finds application in situations such as:
1) aerodynamic testing
2) phenomena involving velocity exceeding the speed of sound
3) under-water testing of torpedoes
Model Studies:
A model is the small scale replica of the actual structure or machine. The actual structure or
machine is known as the prototype. The models are made and tested to get the necessary
information and also to evaluate the performance of structures or machines before they are actually
constructed or manufactured. Model studies offer several advantages such as:
1) Model tests are economical and convenient.
2) The performance of the structure/machine is predicted in advance.
3) Models tests can also be used to detect and rectify the defects of an existing structure which is
not functioning properly.
Similitude:
Model studies are conducted to evaluate the performance of structures or machines before they are
actually constructed or manufactured. In order that the results obtained from model studies
represent the behavior of the prototype, it necessary that the following similarities exist between the
model and the prototype, namely, geometric similarity, kinematic similarity and dynamic similarity.
Geometric similarity refers to the constant ratio of corresponding lengths in the model and the
prototype and same included angles between the two corresponding sides.
Kinematic similarity refers to the constant ratio of velocity or acceleration at corresponding points
in the model and the prototype and velocity or acceleration vectors point in the same direction.
Dynamic similarity refers to the similarity of forces. The flows in the model and in the prototype are
dynamically similar if at all the corresponding points, identical types of forces are parallel and the
bear the same ratio.
Model (or similarity) laws:

[No. of pages-8]
Notes of lesson by S. K. Jagadeesh, Associate Professor, Dept. of Mech. Engg. Dr. Ambedkar Inst. of Technology, BLR.
Last Update - Nov-14)

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ME52 _ FLUID MECHANICS

NOTES OF LESSON
UNIT 3: Dimensional Analysis
Models are designed on the basis of the force which is dominating in the flow situation. The laws on
which the models are designed for dynamic similarity are called model or similarity laws. The various
model laws are:
2) Reynolds model law
3) Froude model law
4) Euler model law
5) Weber model law
6) Mach model law
1) Reynolds model law: Reynolds number is the ratio of inertial force to viscous force. In flow
situations where, in addition to inertia, viscous force is the only other predominant force, the
similarity of flow in the model and its prototype can be established if Reynolds number is
same for both the systems.
I.e., Rem =Rep
Or

Vm L m Vp L p

=
, where =
m
p

2) Froude model law: Froude number is the ratio of inertia force to gravitational force. When
the gravitational forces can be considered as the only other predominant force that controls
the flow motion in addition to the inertia force, the similarity of flow in any two systems can
be established if Froude number for both systems is same.
i.e., Frm = Frp

Vm

or

gmLm
3)

Vp
gpLp

Euler model law: Euler number is the ratio of inertia force to pressure force. In a fluid
system where pressure forces alone are the controlling forces in addition to inertia force, the
dynamic similarity is obtained by equating Euler number for both the model and the
prototype.
i.e., Eum = Eup
or

Vm
pm
m

Vp
pp
p

4) Weber model law: Weber number is the ratio of inertia force to surface tension force. In a
fluid system where surface tension effects predominate in addition to inertia force, the
[No. of pages-8]
Notes of lesson by S. K. Jagadeesh, Associate Professor, Dept. of Mech. Engg. Dr. Ambedkar Inst. of Technology, BLR.
Last Update - Nov-14)

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ME52 _ FLUID MECHANICS

NOTES OF LESSON
UNIT 3: Dimensional Analysis
dynamic similarity is obtained by equating the Weber number for the model and the
prototype.
i.e., Wem = Wep

Vm

or

m
mLm

Vp
p
pLp

5) Mach model law: Mach number is the ratio of inertia force to elastic force. In any fluid, if
only the forces resulting from elastic compression are significant in addition to inertia forces,
then dynamic similarity between the model and its prototype is established by equating
Mach numbers.
i.e., Mm = Mp
or

Vm
km
m

Vp

, where k = Elastic stress for model and prototype.

kp
p

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[No. of pages-8]
Notes of lesson by S. K. Jagadeesh, Associate Professor, Dept. of Mech. Engg. Dr. Ambedkar Inst. of Technology, BLR.
Last Update - Nov-14)

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