Chapter 5: Application of Dimensional Analysis on Turbomachines:

• Consider a series of geometrically similar

pumps or turbines of different sizes but
having similar flow patterns.
• The energy transferred E is a function of
wheel diameter D, volumetric discharge Qv ,
fluid density ρ, kinematic viscosity ν and the
rotating speed N.
• These variables could be organized in
mathematical form as following:

1
Application of Dimensional Analysis on Turbomachines Contd

where E represents pressure energy = ρ g Ho

Following π theorem, we have (6-3) = 3 π
terms.
Select three independent variables, D, N, E

2
Application of Dimensional Analysis on Turbomachines Contd

3
Application of Dimensional Analysis on Turbomachines Contd

4
 Worked Example
• The power developed by hydraulic machines is found
to depend on the head h, flow rate Q, density ρ, speed
N, runner diameter D, and acceleration due to gravity,
g. Obtain suitable dimensionless parameters to
correlate experimental results.
 

5
Solution
• The parameters with dimensions are listed below adopting MLT set of

dimensions .

6
Solution Contd
• Taking ρ, D and g as repeating
variables

7
Coefficients in Model Testing
• The coefficients popularly used in
model testing are given below. These
can be obtained from the above four
π terms.

8
Discussion of Dimensional Analysis on Turbomachines

9
 Similitude and Model Testing
• Fluid flow analysis is involved in the design of aircrafts, ships,
submarines, turbines, pumps, harbours and tall buildings and
structures.
• Fluid flow is influenced by several factors and because of this the
analysis is more complex.
• For many practical situations exact solutions are not available.
• The estimates may vary by as much as  20%.
• Because of this it is not possible to rely solely on design calculations
and performance predictions.
10
 Similitude and Model Testing Contd
• Experimental validation of the design is thus found necessary.
• Constructing and testing small versions of the unit is called
model testing.
• Similarity of features enables the prediction of the performance
of the full size unit from the test results of the smaller unit.
• The application of dimensional analysis is helpful in planning
of the experiments as well as prediction of the performance of
the larger unit from the test results of the model.
11
Model and Prototype
• In the engineering point of view model can be defined as the
representation of physical system that may be used to predict the
behaviour of the system in the desired aspect.
• The system whose behaviour is to be predicted by the model is
called the prototype.
• As models are generally smaller than the prototype, these are
cheaper to build and test.
• Model testing is also used for evaluating proposed modifications
to existing systems.
• The effect of the changes on the performance of the system can be
predicted by model testing before attempting the modifications.
• Models should be carefully designed for reliable prediction of the
prototype performance.

12
 Conditions for Similarity between Models and Prototype

• Dimensional analysis provides a good basis for laying

down the conditions for similarity.
• If a model is to be similar to the prototype and also
function similarly as the prototype, then the PI terms
for the model should also have the same value as that
of the prototype or the same functional relationship as
the prototype.
13
 Conditions for Similarity between Models and Prototype Contd

• Performance of any system (prototype) is given by

functional relationship:
π1p = f (π2p , π3p........πnp)
• The functional relationship as a model is:
πlm = f (π2m, π3m........πnm)
• Similarity requirements or modelling laws is given by:
πlm = πlp, π2m = π2p,.........πnm = πnp
14
 Hydraulic Similarity
• The main types of hydraulic similitude are:
a) Geometric Similitude (Similarity)
• The geometric similitude exists between model and
prototype if the ratios of corresponding dimensions are
equal i.e

15
 Hydraulic Similarity Contd
b) Dynamic Similitude
• The dynamic similitude exists between the model and
the prototype if both of them have identical forces i.e

16
 Hydraulic Similarity Contd
Kinematic Similitude
• The kinematic similitude exists between model and
prototype when the ratios of the correspondc) ing
velocities and acceleration at corresponding points are
equal i.e

17
 Types of Model Studies

• Model testing can be broadly classified on the basis of

the general nature of flow into four types. These are
Flow through closed conduits
 Flow around immersed bodies
Flow with free surface and
Flow through turbomachinery

18
 Types of Model Studies Contd

• Flow through Closed Conduits

 Flow through pipes, valves, fittings and measuring devices are dealt under this category.
 From dimensional analysis the pressure drop in the prototype is calculated as

As ΔPm is measured, using the model, the pressure drop in the

prototype can be predicted.

19
 Types of Model Studies Contd

• Flow around Immersed Bodies

• Aircraft, Submarine, cars and trucks and recently
buildings are examples for this type of study.
• In the sports arena golf and tennis balls are examples
for this type of study. Models are usually tested in
wind tunnels.

20
Flow around Immersed Bodies

• Using the similitude, measured

values of drag on model is used to
estimate the drag on the prototype.

21
 Flow around Immersed Bodies

• Flow with Free Surface

• Flow in canals, rivers as well as flow around ships
come under this category.
• In these cases gravity and inertia forces are found to
be governing the situation and hence Froude number
becomes the main similarity parameter.

22
Flow with Free Surface

• Considering Froude number, the

velocity of the model is calculated as
below.

23
 Types of Model Studies Contd

• Flow through Turbomachinery

Pumps as well as turbines are included in the general term
turbomachines.
As earlier discussed Pumps are power absorbing machines
which increase the head of the fluid passing though them.
Turbines are power generating machines which reduce the
head of the fluid passing through them.

24
Flow through Turbomachinery

• The operating variables of the

machines are the flow rate Q, the
power P and the speed N.
• The fluid properties are the density
and viscosity.
• The machine parameters are the
diameter and a characteristic length
and the roughness of the flow surface.
25
Flow through Turbomachinery Contd

• Power, head and efficiency can be expressed as

functions of π terms as

• The dimensionless term involving power is

defined as
 Power coefficient, defined as Cp = P/ρ N3 D3
The head coefficient is defined as Ch = gh/N2D2.
The term Q/ND3 is called flow coefficient.

26
Flow through Turbomachinery Contd

• If two similar machines are operated with

the same flow coefficient, the power and
head coefficients will also be equal for the
machines.
• This will then lead to the same efficiency.
• Combining flow and head coefficients in
the case of pumps will give the
dimensionless specific speed of the pump
i.e
27
Flow through Turbomachinery Contd

28
 Worked Example
• A fan when tested at ground level with air density of
1.3 kg/m3, running at 990 rpm was found to deliver
1.41m3/s at a pressure of 141 N/m2. This is to work at a
place where the air density is 0.92 kg/m3, the speed
being 1400 rpm.
• Determine the volume delivered and the pressure
rise.
29
Solution
• For similarity condition the flow
coefficient Q/ND3 should be equal.
• As D is the same,

30
 Worked Example

• A centrifugal pump with dimensional specific speed

(SI) of 2300 running at 1170 rpm delivers 70m3/hr. The
impeller diameter is 0.2 m.
• Determine the flow, head and power if the pump runs
at 1750 rpm.
• Also calculate the specific speed at this condition.

31
Solution
• The head developed and the power at
test conditions are determined first
(At 1170 rpm).

32