CHAPTER (5)

Dimensional Analysis
5.1 Introduction
Fluid flow is influenced by several parameters like, the geometry, fluid properties and
fluid velocity. In the previous chapters analytical methods used in fluid flow studies were
discussed.
In the study of flow of real fluids analytical methods alone are found insufficient.
Experimental methods and results have contributed heavily for the development of fluid
mechanics. The solution of realistic problems usually involves both analytical and
experimental studies.
Experiments are used to validate analytical results as well as generalize and extend
their applications. Depending either solely on analytical methods or experiments for the
design of systems is found to lead to inadequate performance and high cost.
Experimental work is rather costly and time consuming, particularly when more than three
parameters are involved. Hence it is necessary to plan the experiments so that most
information is obtained from fewest experiments. Dimensional analysis is found to be a very
useful tool in achieving this objective. The mathematical method of dimensional analysis
comes to our help in this situation. The number of parameters can be reduced generally to
three by grouping relevant variables to form dimensionless parameters. In addition these
groups facilitate the presentation of the results of the experiments effectively and also to
generalize the results so that these can be applied to similar situations.
5.2 Methods of determination of dimensionless groups
1. Intuitive method: This method relies on basic understanding of the phenomenon and then
identifying competing quantities like types of forces or lengths etc. and obtaining ratios of
similar quantities.
Some examples are: Viscous force vs inertia force, viscous force vs gravity force or roughness
dimension vs diameter. This is a difficult exercise and considerable experience is required in
this case.
2. Rayleigh method: A functional power relation is assumed between the parameters and then
the values of indices are solved for to obtain the grouping. For example:
 1 ,  2   F a   b  D c   d  V e

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The values of a, b, c, d, and e are obtained by comparing the dimensions on both sides the
dimensions on the L.H.S. being zero as π terms are dimensionless. This is also tedious and
considerable expertise is needed to form these groups as the number of unknowns will be
more than the number of available equations. This method is also called ‘‘indicial” method.
3. Buckingham Pi theorem method: The application of this theorem provides a fairly easy
method to identify dimensionless parameters (numbers). However identification of the
influencing parameters is the job of an expert rather than that of a novice. This method is
illustrated extensively throughout this chapter.
5.3 Buckingham PI Theorem
The statement of the theorem is as follows: If a relation among n parameters exists in
the form f q1 , q 2 ,.................................q n   0

Then the n parameters can be grouped into n – m independent dimensionless ratios or π

parameters, expressed in the form
g  1 ,  2 ,...............................,  nm   0 (5.1)
or  1  g1  2 ,  3 ,.......................,  nm   0

Where m is the number of dimensions required to specify the dimensions of all the
parameters, q1 , q 2, .......... ., q n . It is also possible to form new dimensionless  parameters as a

discrete function of the n  m  parameters. For example if there are four dimensionless
parameters  1 ,  2 ,  3 and  4 it is possible to obtain  5 ,  6 etc. as

1  10.5
5  or 6 
 3 . 4  22 3
The limitation of this exercise is that the exact functional relationship in equation (5.1) cannot
be obtained from the analysis. The functional relationship is generally arrived at through the
use of experimental results.
5.3.1 Determination of π Groups
Irrespective of the method used the following steps:
Step 1. List all the parameters that influence the phenomenon concerned. This has to be
very carefully done. If some parameters are left out, π terms may be formed but experiments
then will indicate these as inadequate to describe the phenomenon. If unsure the parameter can
be added. Later experiments will show that the  term with the doubtful parameters as useful
or otherwise. Hence a careful choice of the parameters will help in solving the problem with

209
least effort. Usually three type of parameters may be identified in fluid flow namely fluid
properties, geometry and flow parameters like velocity and pressure.
Step 2. Select a set of primary dimensions, (mass, length and time), (force, length and time),
(mass, length, time and temperature) are some of the sets used popularly.
Step 3. List the dimensions of all parameters in terms of the chosen set of primary
dimensions. Table (5.1) lists the dimensions of various parameters involved.
Table (5.1): Units and Dimensions of Variables
Variable Unit (SI) Dimension MLT system
Mass Kg M
Length m L
Time s T
Temperature C or K 
Area m2 L2
Volume m3 L3
Volume Flow Rate m3 s L3T 1
Kg s
Mass Flow Rate MT 1
m s
Velocity LT 1
rad s
Angular Velocity T 1
Force N MLT 2
Pressure, Stress N m2 ML1T 2
Moment N.m ML2T 2
Work, Energy J  N .m ML2T 2
Power W J s ML2T 3
Density Kg m 3 ML3
Dynamic Viscosity Kg m.s ML1T 1
Kinematics Viscosity m2 s L2T 1
Surface Tension N m MT 2

Step 4. Select from the list of parameters a set of repeating parameters equal to the
number of primary dimensions. Some guidelines are necessary for the choice. (i) the chosen
set should contain all the dimensions (ii) two parameters with same dimensions should not be
chosen. Say L, L2 , L3 , (iii) the dependent parameter to be determined should not be chosen.
Step 5. Set up a dimensional equation with the repeating set and one of the remaining
parameters, in turn to obtain n  m  such equations, to determine  terms numbering n  m  .
The form of the equation is,
210
  1  q m1 .q1a .q 2b .q3c ..................q md
As the LHS term is dimensionless, an equation for each dimension in terms of a, b, c, d can be
obtained. The solution of these set of equations will give the values of a, b, c and d. Thus the
 term will be defined.
Step 6. Check whether  terms obtained are dimensionless. This step is essential before
proceeding with experiments to determine the functional relationship between the  terms.
Example (5.1)
The pressure drop P per unit length in flow through a smooth circular pipe is found to
depend on (i) the flow velocity, V (ii) diameter of the pipe, D (iii) density of the fluid  , and
(iv) the dynamic viscosity  . Using  theorem method, evaluate the dimensionless
parameters for the flow. Choosing the set mass, time and length as primary dimensions,
Solution
P  f V , D,  ,  
The dimensions of the parameters are tabulated.
S. NO. Parameter Unit (SI) Dimension
1 Pressure drop/m, P N 
m 2 m  Kg m 2 .s 2 ML2T 2
2 Diameter, D m L
3 Velocity, V m s LT 1
4 Density,  Kg m 3 ML3
Dynamic Viscosity,  Kg m.s
5 ML1T 1

There are five parameters and three dimensions. Hence two π terms can be obtained. As
P is the dependent variable D ,  and  are chosen as repeating variables.

1- Obtain  1 

 1  D a   b .V c .P , substituting dimensions

1 1 1

M 0 L0T 0  La1  M b1 L3b1 .Lc1 T  c1 .ML2T 2

Using the principle of dimensional homogeneity,
For M: 0  1  b1 b1  1

For T: 0  c1  2 c1  2

For L: 0  a1  3b1  c1  2

0  a1  3  2  2 a1  1

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Substituting the value of indices we obtain
P.D
 1  D1   1 .V 2 .P 1 
 .V 2
This represents the ratio of pressure force and inertia force.
2- Obtain  2 

 2  D a   b .V c . , substituting dimensions
2 2 2

M 0 L0T 0  La2  M b2 L3b2 .Lc2 T  c2 .ML1T 1

considering the indices of M, L and T,
For M: 0  b2  1 b2  1

For T: 0  c 2  1 c 2  1

For L: 0  a 2  3b2  c 2  1

0  a2  3  1  1 a 2  1

Substituting the value of indices we obtain


 2  D 1   1 .V 1 . 2 
 .V .D
This term may be recognized as inverse of Reynolds number. So  2 can be modified as
 .V.D
2 

Also  2  V.D   . The significance of this π term is that it is the ratio of inertia force to
viscous force.
Example (5.2)
The pressure drop P in flow of incompressible fluid through rough pipes is found to depend
on the length l , average velocity V , fluid density,  , dynamic viscosity  , diameter D and
average roughness height  . Determine the dimensionless groups to correlate the flow
parameters.
Solution

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 P  f V , D,  ,  , l ,  
The variables with units and dimensions are listed below.
S. NO. Parameter Unit (SI) Dimension
1 Pressure drop/m, P N 
m 2 m  Kg m 2 .s 2 ML2T 2
2 Diameter, D m L
3 Velocity, V m s LT 1
4 Density,  Kg m 3 ML3
5 Dynamic Viscosity,  Kg m.s
ML1T 1
6 Length, l m L
7 roughness height,  m L

There are seven parameters and three dimensions. So four  terms can be identified. Selecting
V , D, and  as repeating variables, (as these sets are separate equations)

1- Obtain  1 

Let  1  V a  D b   c  P , substituting dimensions

1 1 1


M 0 L0T 0  L.T 1  a1

 Lb1  M .L3 
c1
 M .L1T 2

M 0 L0T 0  M c1 1  La1 b1 3c1 1  T  a1 2

For M: 0  c1  1 c1  1

For T: 0  a1  2 a1  2

For L: 0  a1  b1  3c1  1
0  2  b1  3  1 b1  0

P
 1  V 2  D 0   1  P 1 
V 2

2- Obtain  2 

 2  V a  Db   c  L
2 2 2


M 0 L0T 0  L.T 1 
a2

 Lb2  M .L3  c2
L

M 0 L0T 0  M c2  La2 b2 3c2 1  T  a2

For M: 0  c 2 c2  0

For T: 0  a 2 a2  0

For L: 0  a2  b2  3c2  1

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 0  0  b2  0  1 b2  1
L
 2  V 0  D 1   0  L 2 
D
3- Obtain  3 

 3  V a  Db   c  
3 3 3


M 0 L0T 0  L.T 1 a3

 Lb3  M .L3 
c3
L

M 0 L0T 0  M c3  La3 b3 3c3 1  T  a3

For M: 0  c3 c3  0

For T: 0  a3 a3  0

For L: 0  a3  b3  3c3  1
0  0  b3  0  1 b3  1


 3  V 0  D 1   0   3 
D
4- Obtain  4 

 4  V a  Db   c  
4 4 4


M 0 L0T 0  L.T 1  a4

 Lb4  M .L3  c4
 M .L1 .T 1

M 0 L0T 0  M c4 1  La4 b4 3c4 1  T  a4 1

For M: 0  c4  1 c 4  1

For T: 0  a 4  1 a 4  1

For L: 0  a4  b4  3c 4  1
0  1  b4  3  1 b4  1


 4  V 1  D 1   1   4 
 .V.D
The relationship can be expressed as
 1  f  2 ,  3 ,  4 

P L   
2
 f  , , 
V  D D VD 

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5.4 Important Dimensionless Parameters
(1)Reynolds Number: The Reynolds number is undoubtedly the most famous dimensionless
parameter in fluid mechanics. this combination of variables could be used as a criterion to
distinguish between laminar and turbulent flow. In most fluid flow problems there will be a
characteristic length, L and a velocity, V , as well as the fluid properties of density, and
viscosity, which are relevant variables in the problem. Thus, with these variables the Reynolds
number
VL
Re  (5.2)

Arises naturally from the dimensional analysis. The Reynolds number is a measure of the ratio
of the inertia force on an element of fluid to the viscous force on an element. When these two
types of forces are important in a given problem, the Reynolds number will play an important
role. However, if the Reynolds number is very small Re  1 this is an indication that the
viscous forces are dominant in the problem, and it may be possible to neglect the inertial
effects; that is, the density of the fluid will not be an important variable.
(2) Froude Number: The Froude number
V
Fr  (5.3)
g.L
Is distinguished from the other dimensionless groups in that it contains the acceleration of
gravity, g. The acceleration of gravity becomes an important variable in a fluid dynamics
problem in which the fluid weight is an important force. As discussed, the Froude number is a
measure of the ratio of the inertia force on an element of fluid to the weight of the element. It
will generally be important in problems involving flows with free surfaces since gravity
principally affects this type of flow. Typical problems would include the study of the flow of
water around ships or flow through rivers or open conduits.
(3) Euler Number: The Euler number
P
Eu  (5.4)
V 2
Can be interpreted as a measure of the ratio of pressure forces to inertial forces, where P is
some characteristic pressure in the flow field. Very often the Euler number is written in terms
of a pressure difference, P, so that Eu  P V 2 . Also, this combination expressed

215
 1
as P V 2 is called the pressure coefficient. Some form of the Euler number would
2
normally be used in problems in which pressure or the pressure difference between two points
is an important variable.
(4) Mach Number: The Mach number
V
M (5.5)
C
is important dimensionless group in problems in which fluid compressibility is a significant
factor. Mach number can be interpreted as representing an index of the ratio of inertial forces
to compressibility forces. When the Mach number is relatively small (say, less than 0.3), the
inertial forces induced by the fluid motion are not sufficiently large to cause a significant
change in the fluid density, and in this case the compressibility of the fluid can be neglected.
The Mach number is the more commonly used parameter in compressible flow problems,
particularly in the fields of gas dynamics and Aerodynamics.
(5) Strouhal Number: The Strouhal number
 .L
St  (5.6)
V
is a dimensionless parameter that is likely to be important in unsteady, oscillating flow
problems in which the frequency of the oscillation is It represents a measure of the ratio of
inertial forces due to the unsteadiness of the flow (local acceleration) to the inertial forces due
to changes in velocity from point to point in the flow field (convective acceleration). This type
of unsteady flow may develop when a fluid flows past a solid body (such as a wire or cable)
placed in the moving stream. For example, in a certain Reynolds number range, a periodic
flow will develop downstream from a cylinder placed in a moving fluid due to a regular
pattern of vortices that are shed from the body.
(6) Weber Number: The Weber number
V 2 L
We  (5.7)

may be important in problems in which there is an interface between two fluids. In this
situation the surface tension may play an important role in the phenomenon of interest. The
Weber number can be thought of as an index of the inertial force to the surface tension force
acting on a fluid element. Common examples of problems in which this parameter may be
important include the flow of thin films of liquid, or in the formation of droplets or bubbles.

216
Some of the important dimensionless groups used in fluid mechanics are listed in Table (5.2)
indicating significance and area of application of each.

Table (5.2): Important Dimensionless Parameters

Name Description Significance Applications
Reynolds Number, Re VD VD Inertia Force All types of fluid
Re   dynamics problems
  Viscous Force
Froude Number, Fr 2 Inertia Force Flow with free
V V
Fr   surface (open channel
L.g L.g Gravity Force
and ships)
Euler Number, Eu P F Pressure Force Flow driven by
Eu  2
 2 2 pressure
V V L Inertia Force
Mach Number, M V Inertia Force Compressible flow
M
C Compressiblity Force
C  Velocity of Sound
Weber Number, We V 2 L Inertia Force Problems influenced
We 
 Surface Tension Force by surface tension
  Surface Tension
Strouhal Number, St  .L Local Inertia Force Unsteady flow with
St 
V Convective Inertia Force frequency of
oscillation

Example (5.3)
The drag force on a smooth sphere is found to be affected by the velocity of flow, V , the
diameter D of the sphere and the fluid properties density  and viscosity . Using dimensional
analysis obtain the dimensionless groups to correlate the parameters.
Solution
F  f D,V ,  ,  
The dimension of these parameter can be obtained
S. NO. Parameter Unit (SI) Dimension
1 Drag Force, F N  Kg .m .s 2 MLT 2
2 Diameter, D m L
3 Velocity, V m s LT 1
4 Viscosity,  Kg m.s
ML1T 1
3
5 Density,  Kg m M .L3
There are five variables and three dimensions. So two π terms can be obtained.
Choosing D, V and  as repeating variables,
217
1- Obtain  1 

 1  D a  V b . c .F
1 1 1


M 0 .L0 .T 0  La1  L.T 1 . M .L3  
b1
c1
.M .L.T  2

M 0 .L0 .T 0  M c1 1 .La1 b1 3c1 1  T b1 2

For M: 0  c1  1 c1  1

For T: 0  b1  2 b1  2

For L: 0  a1  b1  3c1  1
0  a1  2  3  1 a1  2
F
 1  D 2 .V 2   1  F 1 
 .V 2 .D 2
2- Obtain  2 

 2  D a  V b . c .
2 2 2

M 0 .L0 .T 0  La2  L.T 1   .M .L 

b2  3 c2
.M .L1 .T 1

M 0 .L0 .T 0  M c1 1 .La1 b1 3c1 1  T b1 1

For M: 0  c 2  1 c 2  1

For T: 0  b2  1 b2  1

For L: 0  a2  b2  3c2  1
0  a1  1  3  1 a 2  1

 2  D 1 .V 1   1   2 
 .V .D
 1  f  2 

F   
 f 
2 2

V D  VD 
Example (5.4)
The thrust force, F generated by a propeller is found to depend on the following parameters:
diameter D, forward velocity V , density  , viscosity  and rotational speed N . Determine the
dimensionless parameters to correlate the phenomenon.
Solution
F  f  D, V ,  ,  , N 
The dimension of these parameter can be obtained

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 S. NO. Parameter Unit (SI) Dimension
1 Drag Force, F N  Kg .m .s 2 MLT 2
2 Diameter, D m L
3 Velocity, V m s LT 1
4 Viscosity,  Kg m.s
ML1T 1
3
5 Density,  Kg m M .L3
6 rad s
Rotational Speed, N T 1

There are 6 variables and three dimensions. So three π terms can be obtained.
Choosing D, V and  as repeating variables,
1- Obtain  1 

 1  D a1  V b1 . c1 .F


M 0 .L0 .T 0  La1  L.T 1 . M .L3  
b1
c1
.M .L.T 2

M 0 .L0 .T 0  M c1 1 .La1 b1 3c1 1  T b1 2

For M: 0  c1  1 c1  1

For T: 0  b1  2 b1  2

For L: 0  a1  b1  3c1  1
0  a1  2  3  1 a1  2

F
 1  D 2 .V 2   1  F 1 
 .V 2 .D 2
2- Obtain  2 

 2  D a  V b . c .
2 2 2

M 0 .L0 .T 0  La2  L.T 1  .M .L 

b2  3 c2
.M .L1 .T 1

M 0 .L0 .T 0  M c1 1 .La1 b1 3c1 1  T b1 1

For M: 0  c 2  1 c 2  1

For T: 0  b2  1 b2  1

For L: 0  a2  b2  3c 2  1
0  a1  1  3  1 a 2  1


 2  D 1 .V 1   1   2 
 .V.D

219
3- Obtain  3 

 3  D a  V b . c .N
3 3 3


M 0 .L0 .T 0  La3  L.T 1  .M .L 
b3 3 c3
.T 1

M 0 .L0 .T 0  M c3 .La3 b3 3c3  T b3 1

For M: 0  c3 c3  0

For T: 0  b3  1 b3  1

For L: 0  a3  b3  3c3
0  a3  1  0 a3  1

N.D
 3  D1 .V 1   0  N 3 
V
 1  f  2 ,  3 

F   ND 
2 2
 f  , 
 .V .D  VD V 
Example (5.5)
At higher speeds where compressibility effects are to be taken into account the performance of
a propeller in terms of force exerted is influenced by the diameter, forward speed, rotational
speed, density, viscosity and bulk modulus of the fluid. Evaluate the dimensionless parameters
for the system.
Solution
F  f  D, V ,  ,  , N , E 
The dimension of these parameter can be obtained
S. NO. Parameter Unit (SI) Dimension
1 Drag Force, F N  Kg .m .s 2 MLT 2
2 Diameter, D m L
3 Velocity, V m s LT 1
4 Viscosity,  Kg m.s
ML1T 1
3
5 Density,  Kg m M .L3
6 rad s
Rotational Speed, N T 1
2
7 Bulk Modulus, E N m ML1T 2

There are seven variables and three dimensions, So four π terms are possible.
Choosing D, V and  as repeating variables,
220
1- Obtain  1 

Let  1  D a1  V b1 . c1 .F

M 0 .L0 .T 0  La1  L.T 1 . M .L3   

b1
c1
.M .L.T 2

M 0 .L0 .T 0  M c1 1 .La1 b1 3c1 1  T b1 2

For M: 0  c1  1 c1  1

For T: 0  b1  2 b1  2

For L: 0  a1  b1  3c1  1
0  a1  2  3  1 a1  2
F
 1  D 2 .V 2   1  F 1 
 .V 2 .D 2
2- Obtain  2 

 2  D a  V b . c .
2 2 2

M 0 .L0 .T 0  La2  L.T 1   .M .L 

b2  3 c2
.M .L1 .T 1

M 0 .L0 .T 0  M c1 1 .La1 b1 3c1 1  T b1 1

For M: 0  c 2  1 c 2  1

For T: 0  b2  1 b2  1

For L: 0  a2  b2  3c2  1
0  a1  1  3  1 a 2  1

 1  D 1 .V 1   1   2 
 .V .D
3- Obtain  3 

 3  D a  V b . c .N
3 3 3

M 0 .L0 .T 0  La3  L.T 1   .M .L 

b3 3 c3
.T 1

M 0 .L0 .T 0  M c3 .La3 b3 3c3  T b3 1

For M: 0  c3 c3  0

For T: 0  b3  1 b3  1

For L: 0  a3  b3  3c3
0  a3  1  0 a3  1

221
 N.D
 3  D1 .V 1   0  N 3 
V
4- Obtain  4 

 4  D a  V b . c .E
4 4 4

M 0 .L0 .T 0  La4  L.T 1  .M .L 

b4 3 c 4
.M .L1 .T 2

M 0 .L0 .T 0  M c4 1 .La4 b4 3c4 1  T b4 2

For M: 0  c 4  1 c 4  1

For T: 0  b4  2 b4  2

For L: 0  a4  b4  3c4  1
0  a4  2  3  1 a4  0

E
 4  D 0 .V 2   1  E 4 
 V 2
 1  f  2 ,  3 ,  4 

F   ND E 
2 2
 f  , , 2


 .V .D  VD V V 
Example (5.6)
A rectangular plate of height, a and width, b is held perpendicular to the flow of a fluid. The
drag force on the plate is influenced by the dimensions a and b , the velocity V , and the fluid
properties, density  and viscosity  . Obtain a correlation for the drag force in terms of
dimensionless parameters.
Solution
F  f a, b,V ,  ,  
The parameters with dimensions are listed adopting M, L, T set of dimensions.
S. NO. Parameter Unit (SI) Dimension
1 Drag Force, F N  Kg .m .s 2 MLT 2
2 Height, a m L
3 Width, b m L
4 Velocity, V m s LT 1
5 Density,  Kg m 3 M .L3
6 Viscosity,  Kg m.s
ML1T 1

There are 6 parameters and three dimensions. Hence three π terms can be obtained.
222
Selecting b, V and  as repeating variables.
1- Obtain  1 

 1  b a1  V b1 . c1 .F


M 0 .L0 .T 0  La1  L.T 1 . M .L3  
b1
c1
.M .L.T 2

M 0 .L0 .T 0  M c1 1 .La1 b1 3c1 1  T b1 2

For M: 0  c1  1 c1  1

For T: 0  b1  2 b1  2

For L: 0  a1  b1  3c1  1
0  a1  2  3  1 a1  2

F
 1  b 2 .V 2   1  F 1 
 .V 2 b 2
2- Obtain  2 

 2  b a  V b . c .
2 2 2

M 0 .L0 .T 0  La2  L.T 1  .M .L 

b2  3 c2
.M .L1 .T 1

M 0 .L0 .T 0  M c1 1 .La1 b1 3c1 1  T b1 1

For M: 0  c 2  1 c 2  1

For T: 0  b2  1 b2  1

For L: 0  a2  b2  3c 2  1
0  a1  1  3  1 a 2  1


 2  b 1 .V 1   1   2 
 .V.b
3- Obtain  3 

 3  b a  V b . c .a
3 3 3

M 0 .L0 .T 0  La3  L.T 1  .M .L 

b3 3 c3
.L

M 0 .L0 .T 0  M c3 .La3 b3 3c3 1  T b3

For M: 0  c3 c3  0

For T: 0  b3 b3  0

For L: 0  a3  b3  3c3  1
0  a3  0  0  1 a 3  1

223
 a
 3  b 1 .V 0   0  a 3 
b
 1  f  2 ,  3 

F   a
 f 
2 2
, 
 .V b  Vb b 
Example (5.7)
Obtain a correlation for the coefficient of discharge through a small orifice, using the method
of dimensional analysis. If the discharge coefficient is depend on diameter of the orifice, D,
head of the fluid, H , acceleration of gravity, g , density of fluid,  , roughness
height,  , surface tension,  , viscosity, .
Solution
C D  f  D, H , g ,  ,  ,  ,  
The following list of parameters can be identified as affecting the coefficient of discharge
S. NO. Parameter Unit (SI) Dimension
1 Coefficient of discharge, C D Dimensionless 1
2 Diameter, D m L
3 Head, H m L
4 Gravity, g m s2 LT 2
5 Density,  Kg m 3 M .L3
6 Viscosity,  Kg m.s
ML1T 1
7 Roughness height,  m L
8 Surface Tension,  N m
MT 2

There are eight variables and three dimensions. So five π terms can be identified. Considering
 , g and H as repeating variables
1- Obtain  1 

 1   a1  g b1 .H c1 .D


M 0 .L0 .T 0  M .L3   L.T  .L
a1  2 b1 c1
.L

M 0 .L0 .T 0  M a1 .L3a1 b1 c1 1  T 2b1

For M: 0  a1 a1  0

For T: 0  2b1 b1  0

For L: 0  3a1  b1  c1  1
224
 0  0  0  c1  1 c1  1
D
 1   0  g 0 .H 1 .D 1 
H
2- Obtain  2 

 2   a  g b .H c .e
2 2 2


M 0 .L0 .T 0  M .L3   L.T 
a2  2 b2
.L c2 .L

M 0 .L0 .T 0  M a2 .L3a2 b2 c2 1  T 2b2

For M: 0  a 2 a2  0

For T: 0  2b2 b2  0

For L: 0  3a2  b2  c 2  1
0  0  0  c2  1 c 2  1

e
 2   0  g 0 .H 1 .e 2 
H
3- Obtain  3 

 3   a  g b .H c .
3 3 3


M 0 .L0 .T 0  M .L3   L.T 
a3  2 b3
.L c3 .MT 2

M 0 .L0 .T 0  M a3 1.L3a3 b3 c3  T 2b3 2

For M: 0  a3  1 a 3  1

For T: 0  2b3  2 b3  1
For L: 0  3a3  b3  c3
0  3  1  c3 c3  2


 3   1  g 1 .H 2 . 3 
gH 2
4- Obtain  4 

 4   a4  g b4 .H c4 .


M 0 .L0 .T 0  M .L3   L.T 
a4  2 b4
.L c4 .ML1T 1

M 0 .L0 .T 0  M a4 1.L3a4 b4 c4 1  T 2b4 1

For M: 0  a4  1 a 4  1

225
 1
For T: 0  2b4  1 b4  
2
For L: 0  3a4  b4  c4  1

1 3
0  3  c4  1 c4 
2 2

 4   1  g 1 2 .H 3 2 . 4 
H gH
5- Obtain  5 

 5   a5  g b5 .H c5 .C d


M 0 .L0 .T 0  M .L3   L.T 
a5  2 b5
.L c5 .1

M 0 .L0 .T 0  M a5 .L3a5 b5 c5  T 2b5

For M: 0  a5 a5  0
For T: 0  2b5 b5  0
For L: 0  3a5  b5  c5
0  0  0  c5 c5  0

 5   0  g 0 .H 0 .C d  5  Cd
 5  f  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  4 

D e   
Cd  f  , , , 
 H H gH 2 H gH 
 
Example (5.8)
The volume flow rate, Q over a V-notch depends on fluid properties namely density  ,
kinematics viscosity  , and surface tension  . It is also influenced by the angle of the
notch,  , head of fluid over the vertex, H , and acceleration due to gravity, g. Determine the
dimensionless parameters which can correlate the variables.
Solution
Q  f  , , , H , g , 
The parameters are listed below with dimensions, adopting MLT set.
S. NO. Parameter Unit (SI) Dimension
1 Volume flow rate, Q m3 s L3T 1
2 Density,  Kg m 3 ML3

226
 3 Kinematic Viscosity,  m2 s L2T 1
4 Gravity, g m s2 LT 2
5 Surface Tension,  N m
M .T 2
6 Head, H m L
7 Angle,  degree 1

There are seven parameters and three dimensions. So four π terms can be identified.
Considering  , g and H as repeating variables.
1- Obtain  1 

 1   a1  g b1 .H c1 .Q


M 0 .L0 .T 0  M .L3   L.T  .L
a1  2 b1 c1
.L3T 1

M 0 .L0 .T 0  M a1 .L3a1 b1 c1 3  T 2b1 1

For M: 0  a1 a1  0

1
For T: 0  2b1  1 b1  
2
For L: 0  3a1  b1  c1  3

1 5
0 0  c1  3 c1  
2 2
1 3
0
 
2 .H 2 .Q Q
1    g 1  12
g H32
2- Obtain  2 

 2   a2  g b2 .H c2 .


M 0 .L0 .T 0  M .L3   L.T 
a2  2 b2
.L c2 .L2T 1

M 0 .L0 .T 0  M a2 .L3a2 b2 c2  2  T 2b2 1

For M: 0  a 2 a2  0

1
For T: 0  2b2  1 b2  
2
For L: 0  3a2  b2  c2  2

1 3
0 0  c2  2 c2  
2 2

227
 1 3
0
 
2 .H 2 . 
2    g 2  12
g H32
3- Obtain  3 

 3   a3  g b3 .H c3 .

M 0 .L0 .T 0  M .L3    L.T 

a3  2 b3
.L c3 .MT 2

M 0 .L0 .T 0  M a3 1.L3a3 b3 c3  T 2b3 2

For M: 0  a3  1 a 3  1

For T: 0  2b3  2 b3  1
For L: 0  3a3  b3  c3
0  3  1  c3 c3  2


 3   1  g 1 .H 2 . 3 
gH 2
4- Obtain  4 

 4   a4  g b4 .H c4 .

M 0 .L0 .T 0  M .L3   L.T 

a4  2 b4
.L c4 .M 0 L0T 0

M 0 .L0 .T 0  M a4 .L3a4 b4 c4  T 2b4

For M: 0  a 4 a4  0
For T: 0  2b4 b4  0
For L: 0  3a4  b4  c4
0  0  0  c4 c4  0

 4   0  g 0 .H 0 . 4 
Then  1  f  2 ,  3 ,  4 

Q    
12 52
 f  1 2 3 2 , 2
, 
g H g H gH 
   
Q  g 1 2 H 5 2 . f  1 2 3 2 , 2
,  

 g H gH 

228
Example (5.9)
The power “ P ” required to drive a propeller depends on
V = free stream velocity  = viscosity of fluid
 = density of fluid D = Diameter of propeller
C = Velocity of sound in fluid  = angular speed of propeller
Find the dimensionless groups. Manipulate so you get
P  D 
3 5
 f  Re, M , 
 D  C 

Solution
P  f V ,  , C ,  , D, 

(i)Obtain the dimensions of each quantity

S. NO. Parameter Unit (SI) Dimension
1 Power, P J s  N .m s ML2T 3
2 Diameter, D m L
3 Flow Velocity, V m s L.T 1
4 Sound Velocity, C m s LT 1
5 Density,  Kg m 3 M .L3
6 Viscosity,  Kg m.s
ML1T 1
7 Angular speed,  rad s T 1

(ii) Obtain the number of dimensionless groups

Number of dimensionless groups=number of variables – number of basic dimension
 Number of dimensionless groups=7 –3 = 4
select  , D, V as repeated variables, then the non–dimensional groups are expressed as:

 1   a1  D b1  V c1  P

 2   a2  D b2  V c2  C

 3   a3  D b3  V c3  

 4   a4  D b4  V c4  
1- Obtain  1 

 1   a1  D b1  V c1  P


1  ML3 a1

 L b1  LT 1  c1
 ML2T 3

229
 a 1 3a1 b1 c1  2  c1 3
M 0 L0T 0  M  1  L   T 
For M: 0  a1  1 a1  1
For T: 0  c1  3 c1  3
For L: 0  3a1  b1  c1  2
0  3  b1  3  2 b1  2

 1   a1  D b1  V c1  P
P
 1   1  D 2  V 3  P or 1 
D 2V 3
2- Obtain  2 

 2   a2  D b2  V c2  C


1  ML3  a2

 L b2  LT 1 c2
 LT 1
a 3a2 b2 c2 1  c2 1
M 0 L0T 0  M  2  L   T 
For M: 0  a2 a2  0
For T: 0  c 2  1 c2  1
For L: 0  3a2  b2  c2  1
0  0  b2  1  1 b2  0

 2   a2  D b2  V c2  C
C
 2    0  D 0  V 1  C or 2 
V

3- Obtain  3 

 3   a3  D b3  V c3  


1  ML3  a3

 L b3  LT 1 c3
 T 1

M 0 L0T 0  M a3  L 3a3 b3 c3  T  c3 1

For M: 0  a3 a3  0
For T: 0   c3  1 c3  1
For L: 0  3a3  b3  c3
0  0  b3  1 b3  1

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  3   a3  Db3  V c3  
D
 3    0  D 1  V 1   or 3 
V
4- Obtain  4 

 4   a4  D b4  V c4  


1  ML3 
a4

 L b4  LT 1 
c4
 ML1T 1

M 0 L0T 0  M a4 1  L 3a4 b4 c4 1  T  c4 1

For M: 0  a4  1 a4  1
For T: 0  c 4  1 c4  1
For L: 0  3a4  b4  c4  1
0  3  b4  1  1 b4  1

 4   a4  D b4  V c4  

 4   1  D 1  V 1   or 4 
DV
Then we have
P C
1  , 2 
D 2V 3 V
D 
3  , 4 
V DV
Surely, we can manipulate between the derived  -terms to obtain other forms which
resembles or better description of the physical problem.
Let us define the following
1 V
5   M 5  M
2 C
 3 D V D D
6     6 
2 V C C C
1 VD
7    Re  7  Re
4 

1 P V3 P
 8  1    8 
 33 2
D V 3
D  3 3
D 5 3

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Then we can deduce that
P  D 
 f  Re, M , 
 3 D 5  C 

This is latter form states that the power coefficient is equally dependent on Reynolds and
Mach numbers as well as the rotational Mach number.

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 Problems
5.1 A boat moving along the free surface has a drag D which depends on the variables:
V = velocity g = gravity
L = length of boat  = density
 = viscosity B = width of boat
Formulate the dimensionless groups.
5.2 The pressure drop P in a compressible one-dimensional flow in a circular duct is a
function of the following variables:
V= velocity of flow  = viscosity
 = density D = Diameter of duct
C = Velocity of sound L = length of duct
What are the dimensionless groups involved? Manipulate your results until you get an Euler
number, a Reynolds number, and a Mach number as three of your  ' s.
5.3 In the study of turbo-machines the head H D developed by turbo-machines depends on
the following variables
Diameter of rotor, D Kinametic viscosity, 
Rotational speed, N Gravity, g
Volume flow through the machine, Q

H D  Q g ND 2 
Show that  f  3
, 2
, 
D  ND N D  
5.4 The thrust “ T ” from an airplane propeller is a function of the following variables
Vo = speed of airplane  = viscosity of the air

 = density of air D = Diameter of propeller

 = angular speed of propeller
C = speed of sound

T  V D V V 
Find the dimensionless groups. Manipulate so you get 2
 f  O , O , O 
4
 D   C D 

5.5 The power “ P ” required to drive a propeller is depend on

V = free stream velocity  = viscosity of fluid
 = density of fluid D = Diameter of propeller
C = Velocity of sound in fluid  = angular speed of propeller

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 P  D 
Find the dimensionless groups. Manipulate so you get 3
 f  Re, M ,
5 
 D  C 

5.6 The discharge Q through an orifice is a function of the diameter d , the pressure

d 1 2 P1 2  d  1 2 P1 2 
difference P, the density  , and the viscosity  , show that Q  f  

1 2   

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