DimensionalAnalysis PracticeProblems

Practice Problems on the Dimensional Analysis
C. Wassgren, Purdue University Page 1 of 25 Last Updated: 2010 Oct 18

dim_anal_01
The power, P, to drive an axial flow pump depends on the following variables:
density of the fluid,
angular speed of the rotor, O
diameter of the rotor, D
head rise across the pump, AH ( =Ap/g)
volumetric flow through the pump, Q

a. Rewrite the functional relationship in dimensionless form.
b. A model scaled to one-third the size of the prototype has the following characteristics:
O
m
=900 rpm
D
m
=5 in
AH
m
=10 ft
Q
m
=3 ft
3
/s
P
m
=2 hp
If the full-size pump is to run at 300 rpm, what is the power required for this pump? What head will the pump
maintain? What will the volumetric flow rate be in the prototype?

Answer(s):
2 3 5 3
,
P H Q
f
D D D
A | |
=
|
O O
\ .

18 hp
P
P = 30 ft
P
H A =
3
27 ft /s
P
Q =


dim_anal_03
An open cylindrical tank having a diameter D is supported around its bottom circumference and is filled to a depth h
with a liquid having a specific weight . The vertical deflection, o, of the center of the bottom is a function of D, h,
d, , and E where d is the thickness of the bottom and E is the modulus of elasticity of the bottom material. Form the
dimensionless groups describing this relationship.

Answer(s):
2
, ,
h d E
f
D D D D
o
| |
=
|
\ .


dim_anal_04
The drag characteristics of a blimp 5 m in diameter and 60 m long are to be studied in a wind tunnel. If the speed of
the blimp through still air is 10 m/s, and if a 1/10 scale model is to be tested, what airspeed in the wind tunnel is
needed for dynamic similarity? Assume the same air temperature and pressure for both the prototype and model.

Answer(s):
m
100
s
M
V =


dim_anal_05
A viscous fluid is poured onto a horizontal plate as shown in the figure. Assume that the time, t, required for the
fluid to flow a certain distance, d, along the plate is a function of the volume of fluid poured, V, acceleration due to
gravity, g, fluid density, , and fluid dynamic viscosity, . Determine an appropriate set of dimensionless terms to
describe this process.

Answer(s):
2 3
,
g V
t f
d d d gd
| |
= |
|
\ .

d
volume, V

dim_anal_06
The height of the free surface, h, in a tank of diameter, D, that is draining fluid through a small hole at the bottom
with diameter, d, decreases with time, t. This change in free surface height is studied experimentally with a half-
scale model. For the prototype tank:
H =16 in. (the initial height of the free surface)
D =4.0 in.
d =0.25 in.

Experimental data is obtained from the prototype and half-scale model and is given below:

Model Data Prototype Data
h [in.] t [s] h [in.] t [s]
8.0 0.0 16.0 0.0
7.0 3.1 14.0 4.5
6.0 6.2 12.0 8.9
5.0 9.9 10.0 14.0
4.0 13.5 8.0 20.2
3.0 18.1 6.0 25.9
2.0 24.0 4.0 32.8
1.0 32.5 2.0 45.7
0.0 43.0 0.0 59.8

1. Plot, on the same graph, the height data as a function of time for both the model and the prototype.
2. Develop a set of dimensionless parameters for this problem assuming that: h =f(H, D, d, g, t)
3. Replot, on the same graph, the height data as a function of time in non-dimensional form for both the model and
prototype.

D
h
hole with diameter, d
g
H

Answer(s):

2
, ,
h D d g
f t
H H H H
| |
=
|
|
\ .

0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
0 20 40 60 80
h

[
i
n
.
]
t [s]
model
prototype
0.0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.0
1.2
0 100 200 300 400
h
/
H
t*sqrt(g/H)
model
prototype

dim_anal_07
It is desired to determine the wave height when wind blows across a lake. The wave height, H, is assumed to be a
function of the wind speed, V, the water density, , the air density,
a
, the water depth, d, the distance from the
shore, L, and the acceleration of gravity, g. Use d, V, and as repeating variables to determine a suitable set of pi
terms that could be used to describe this problem.

Answer(s):
2
, ,
a
H L V
f
d d gd
| |
= |
|
\ .


dim_anal_08
Small droplets of liquid are formed when a liquid jet breaks up in spray and fuel injection processes. The resulting
droplet diameter, d, is thought to depend on liquid density, , viscosity, , and surface tension, o, as well as jet
speed, V, and diameter, D. How many dimensionless ratios are required to characterize this process? Determine
these ratios.

Answer(s):
(# H terms) =(#of variables) (#of reference dimensions) =6 3 =3
2
2
Weber # Reynolds #
,
d VD V D
f
D

o
| |
|
=
|
|
|
\ .


dim_anal_09
Spin plays an important role in the flight trajectory of golf, Ping-Pong, and tennis balls. Therefore, it is important to
know the rate at which spin decreases for a ball in flight. The aerodynamic torque, T, acting on a ball in flight, is
thought to depend on flight speed, V, air density, , air viscosity, , ball diameter, D, spin rate (angular speed), e,
and diameter of the dimples on the ball, d. Determine the dimensionless parameters that result.

Answer(s):
2 2 3
Reynolds #
, ,
T VD D d
f
V D V D
e

| |
|
=
|
|
|
\ .


dim_anal_10
We wish to understand what parameters affect the drag force acting on a ship due to the surrounding water.
a. What parameters do you expect will be significant in this problem?
b. Form dimensionless ratios from these parameters.

Answer(s):
( ) , , , , , ,
D
F fcn V H L D W =
2 2
, , ,
D
F VL H D W
fcn
L L L V L

| |
=
|
\ .


dim_anal_11
The pressure drop, Ap, for airflow through a filter depends upon the volume flow rate, Q, density, , filter thickness,
H, and porosity, o (the percent volume of filter material which is not occupied by filter fibers). The following are
pressure-drop data in an air flow at 20C and 1 atm through a filter 3 cm thick with 45% porosity:

Ap [in of H
2
0] 0.31 1.24 2.79 4.96 7.75 11.2
Q [ft
3
/min] 200 400 600 800 1000 1200

Use these data to determine the pressure drop of the same filter material if the thickness is increased to 6 cm and the
flow rate is 750 ft
3
/min.

Answer(s):
Ap =67.9 Pa =0.273 in. H
2
O

p+Ap
Q
H
p
porosity, o
filter


dim_anal_12
A model test of a tractor-trailer rig is performed in a wind tunnel. The drag force, F
D
, is found to depend on the
frontal area, A, wind speed, V, air density, , and air viscosity, . The model scale is 1:4 (e.g. 1 m in the model is
equivalent to 4 m in the prototype), frontal area of the model is A =0.625 m
2
. Obtain a set of dimensionless
parameters suitable to characterize the model test results. State the conditions required to obtain dynamic similarity
between model and prototype flows. When tested at wind speed V=89.6 m/sec, in standard air, the measured drag
force on the model was F
D
=2.46 kN. Estimate the aerodynamic drag force on the full-scale vehicle at V =22.4
m/sec. Calculate the power needed to overcome this drag force.

Answer(s):
2 2
D
F V A
f
V A

| |
=
|
|
\ .

2.46 kN
D
P
F =
55.1 kW P =


dim_anal_15
The differential equation for small-amplitude vibrations of a simple beam is given by:
2 4
2 4
0
y y
A EI
t x
c c
+ =
c c

where
y vertical displacement of beam
x horizontal position
t time
beam material density
A cross-sectional area
I area moment of inertia
E Youngs modulus

Rewrite the differential equation in dimensionless form. Discuss the physical significance of any dimensionless
terms in the resulting equation.

Answer(s):
2 4
2 4
* *
0
* *
y y
t x
c c
+ =
c c


dim_anal_16
Wind blowing past a flag causes it to flutter. The frequency of this fluttering, e, is assumed to be a function of the
wind speed, V, the air density, , the air dynamic viscosity, , the acceleration of gravity, g, the length of the flag, l,
and the area density of the flag material,
A
. It is desired to predict the flutter frequency of a large flag (l =40 ft,
A

=0.006 slug/ft
2
) in a V =30 ft/s wind using a smaller (l =4 ft) flag.

a. Determine the dimensionless terms that characterize this phenomenon.
b. What specific conditions must hold in order to maintain full similarity between the prototype and the model?
c. Can full similarity be achieved using the same atmospheric air in the prototype and model flows? Explain
your answer.

For the remainder of the problem, assume that the same atmospheric air for the prototype is also used in wind tunnel
testing of the model.
d. What wind tunnel velocity should be used for testing the model?
e. Determine the required area density of the model flag material.
f. If the model flag flutters at 6 Hz, predict the frequency of the large flag flutter.

Answer(s):
2 2
, ,
A
l gl
f
V Vl l V
e

| |
=
|
\ .

M P
l l
V V
e e | | | |
=
| |
\ . \ .
M P
Vl Vl

| | | |
=
| |
\ . \ .
2 2
M P
gl gl
V V
| | | |
=
| |
\ . \ .
A A
M P
l l

| | | |
=
| |
\ . \ .

it is not possible to maintain full similarity using identical prototype and model air
V
M
= 9.5 ft/s
(
A
)
P
= 0.0006 slug/ft
2

e
P
= 1.9 Hz


dim_anal_17
A cylinder with a diameter, D, floats upright in a liquid as shown in the figure. When the cylinder is displaced
slightly along its vertical axis it will oscillate about its equilibrium position with a frequency, e. Assume that this
frequency is a function of the diameter, D, the mass of the cylinder, m, the liquid density, , and the acceleration due
to gravity, g.

If the mass of the cylinder were doubled (assuming the same cylinder material density), by how much would the
oscillation frequency change?

Answer(s):
Hence, doubling the mass (i.e. m
2
=2m
1
) will result in a smaller frequency with e
2
=2
-1/6
e
1

g
D

m

dim_anal_18
Hoppers are a commonly used device in the handling and storage of particulate materials. A hopper design typically
consists of a bin section located above a converging section with a hole located in the bottom through which the
particulate material flows (refer to the figures below).

One interesting observation with hopper flows is that the mass flow rate from the hopper exit is independent of the
height of the material above the exit and the bin diameter (except when the hopper is nearly empty). The parameters
that do affect the discharge rate (assuming cohesionless particles) include the hopper exit diameter, the acceleration
due to gravity, the angle of the hopper walls, the friction coefficient between the particulate material and the walls
and between the particles themselves, and the bulk density of the material at the discharge plane.

a. Perform a dimensional analysis to determine the dimensionless quantities that govern flow from a hopper.
b. If the same hopper and particulate material are used (i.e. the wall angle and friction properties remain the same),
how will the mass flow rate from the hopper change if the hopper exit diameter is doubled?
c. Compare the discharge rate found in part (a) with the mass discharge rate expected for a liquid.

Answer(s):
( )
5 1
2 2
2
, ,
pp pw
b E
m
f
g D
u

If the wall angle and frictional properties remain constant, then doubling the exit diameter increases the mass flow
rate by a factor of 2
5/2
~ 5.66.


dim_anal_20
A 1/16
th
-scale model of a weir has a measured flow rate of Q =2.1 ft
3
/s when the upstream water height is h =6.3
in. The flow rate is known to be a function of the acceleration due to gravity, g, the weir width (into the page), b,
and the upstream water height, h. Furthermore, the flow rate is found to be directly proportional to the weir width,
b. What is the flow rate over the prototype weir when the upstream water height is h =3.2 ft.

Answer(s):
2
5
Q b
f
h
gh
| |
=
|
\ .

Q
prototype
=506 ft
3
/s

h
g
Q

dim_anal_21
Velocity measurements in gases and liquids are often accomplished by adding (solid) marker particles to the flow
and then measuring the particles velocities. To accurately track the gas or liquid, the solid particles must rapidly
respond to changes in the flow. This response is a function of the aerodynamic drag exerted on the particle and also
the particle buoyancy. The drag and buoyancy are, in turn, functions of the particle size, D, density,
solid
, fluid
density,
fluid
, fluid dynamic viscosity,
fluid
, fluid velocity relative to the particle, U, and the acceleration due to
gravity, g.

The drag and buoyancy are functions of what three dimensionless (H) groups?

Answer(s):
solids
1
fluid
H =
fluid
2
fluid
UD
H =
3
U
gD
H =


dim_anal_22
Many pharmaceutical processes involve spraying a liquid onto a powder bed surface. The rate at which a liquid
drop fully penetrates into the powder bed, t
p
, is of particular interest. Experience has shown that the parameters
governing this process include the drop diameter, d, the drop dynamic viscosity, , the drop surface tension, o, the
contact angle between the liquid and the powder bed material, u, the bed porosity, c, and the bed pore radius, R.

Perform a dimensional analysis to express the drop penetration process in dimensionless terms.

Reference: Hapgood, K.P., Litster, J .D., Biggs, S.R., and Howes, T., 2002, Drop penetration into porous powder
beds, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Vol. 253, pp. 353 366.

Answer(s):
2
, ,
p
R
f
d d
t o
u c
| |
=
|
\ .


dim_anal_23
Wet granulation is a common particulate processing operation used to increase particle size. Granulation is often
used to improve powder flow properties, reduce dust hazards, and increase blend uniformity by combining various
powder components into individual granules. A high shear wet granulator consists of a bowl in which the dry
powder ingredients are contained (Fig. 1). Within the bowl is an impeller that is used to blend the components as
well as a chopper that is used to break apart larger granules. A binding liquid is sprayed onto the powders
surface to cause individual particles to bind and form larger granules. The impeller and chopper facilitate uniform
distribution of the binding liquid and homogeneity of the granulated bed.

Figure 1. A schematic of a bottom-driven high shear wet granulator.

Consider the coalescence process whereby two particles with binding liquid on their surfaces collide to form a larger
granule. When the particles first approach each other, the viscous binding liquid is squeezed out from between the
particles resulting in a dissipation of energy. If the initial kinetic energy of the particles is not dissipated in this
viscous event, then the particle surfaces contact and elastic and plastic deformation of the particles occurs. Upon
rebound the viscous binding liquid may be entrained back into the gap between the particles resulting in additional
energy dissipation. If at any point during these viscous and plastic processes the cumulative energy loss exceeds the
initial kinetic energy, the particles will coalesce to form a granule. Details of this coalescence process may be found
in the work by Liu et al. (2000).

Assume that two particles collide with an impact velocity U. Each particle has a diameter, d, density, , elasticity,
E, Poissons ratio, v, and yield strength, Y. In addition, assume that the particles have an asperity height, h
a
. The
binding liquid, with dynamic viscosity,
L
, covers the particle surfaces to a thickness, h
L
. Note that the binding
liquid density is assumed to be negligible here since the squeezing of thin viscous films has been shown to be
independent of the fluid density.

Perform a dimensional analysis to determine the relevant dimensionless groups govern the coalescence process.

Reference: Liu, L.X., Litster, J .D., Iveson, S.M., and Ennis, B.J ., 2000, Coalescence of deformable granules in wet
granulation processes, AIChE Journal, Vol. 43, No. 3, pp. 529 539.

Answer(s):
3 2 3
0
2 3 2
0
, , , , ,
a
L
h h Y d U d U
f
E h d Yd d

v
| |
|
\ .

impeller
bowl
chopper spray

dim_anal_24
Many particulate processing operations involve the tumbling of particles in rotating drums. Examples of such
operations include tumbling blenders, low shear tumble granulators, and pan coaters. An important part of
designing these operations is determining how to properly scale the systems from small, lab-scale devices to much
larger, industrial-scale devices.

Consider a horizontal cylindrical drum of diameter, D, and length, L, rotating with rotation rate, e. Contained
within the drum is a particulate material with diameter, d, and density, . Determine the dimensionless parameters
important to scaling the particles speed down the free surface of the tumbling particle bed, V (refer to the figure).
Discuss significant issues regarding the scale-up process.

Related Reference: Alexander, A., Shinbrot, T., and Muzzio, F.J ., 2002, Scaling surface velocities in rotating
cylinders as a function of vessel radius, rotation rate, and particle size, Powder Technology, Vol. 126, pp. 174
190.

Answer(s):
2
2
aFroude#
, ,
V H D d
f
D D g D
e
e
| |
|
=
|
|
\ .

g
V
e

dim_anal_25
The instantaneous diameter of a spreading liquid drop on a surface (refer to the figure shown below) is known to be
a function of the drop initial diameter, impact speed, liquid density, dynamic viscosity and surface tension, contact
angle between the liquid and surface, and time.

Determine the dimensionless parameters important in determining the diameter of the spreading drop.

(The figure is from Roisman et al. (2002).)

Related Reference: Roisman, I.V., Rioboo, R., and Tropea, C., 2002, Normal impact of a liquid drop on a dry
surface: Model for spreading and receding, Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A, Vol. 458, pp. 1411 1430.

Answer(s):
2
0 0 0 0 0
2
0 0
Weber #
Reynolds #
, , ,
U D U D tU D
f
D D

u
o
| |
|
= |
|
|
\ .


dim_anal_26
Reverse-flow cyclone separators (shown below) are commonly used to separate particles from a gas stream.
Particle-laden gas enters tangentially at the top of a conical section, then swirls downward toward the bottom of the
cone. Under the action of gravity, particles exit the gas stream at the bottom of the device while the gas stream is re-
directed toward a low pressure exit pipe at the top of the device.

The parameters that are most important in the separation efficiency, q, of a cyclone separator are the cyclone barrel
diameter, D, and other geometric dimensions, L
i
, the particle diameter, d
P
, the particle density,
P
, the particle
loading by mass, C (mass of particles to the mass of gass), the gas density,
G
, the gas viscosity,
G
(e.g. with units
of Pas) the volumetric flow rate of gas through the cyclone, Q (e.g. with units of cubic feet per minute), and the
pressure difference between the cyclone inlet and outlet, Ap.

Determine the dimensionless parameters that are most important in determining the efficiency of a cyclone.

Answer(s):
2 4
2 2
Re Eu St
, , , ,
i G P P
G G G
L Q d V pD
f C
D D D Q

q

= = =
| |
|
A
=
|
|
|
\ .


dim_anal_27
In the late 1940s, much of the science concerning nuclear bombs was highly classified. In particular, information
regarding the energy released in a nuclear explosion, e.g. the number of equivalent kilotons of TNT (nowadays the
energy is measured in megatons), was top secret. G.I. Taylor, a famous fluid mechanics professor, was asked in
1941 by the British Civil Defence Research Committee of the Ministry of Home Security to predict the dynamics of
a blast caused by a nuclear explosion. In his analysis, Taylor assumed that a finite amount of energy, E, is suddenly
released in an infinitely concentrated form. The resulting blast wave, with a radius R, then propagates into the
surrounding atmosphere, with density
0
and specific heat ratio =c
p
/c
v
, as a function of time, t. Taylors analysis
resulted in a simple relationship between the blast radius as a function of the time, air density, blast energy, and
specific heat ratio. Using declassified photographs of the first nuclear explosion, which occurred at the Trinity test
site in New Mexico in 1945, Taylor was able to estimate the energy release to within remarkable accuracy.

Perform a dimensional analysis to determine an expression involving the blast radius as a function of the other
significant parameters in the problem.

References: Taylor, G., 1950, The formation of a blast wave by a very intense explosion. I. Theoretical analyses,
Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series A, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Vol. 201, No. 1065, pp.
159 174. Taylor, G., 1950, The formation of a blast wave by a very intense explosion. II. The atomic explosion
of 1945, Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series A, Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Vol. 201, No.
1065, pp. 175 186.

Answer(s):
( )
1
5
2 1
5 5
0
2
R
f
t E
=


dim_anal_29
The sound power, W, from a turbulent jet through a nozzle is believed to depend on the jet centerline velocity, U, the
nozzle diameter, D, the speed of sound, c, and the fluid density, . The temperature and composition of the fluid in
the jet is the same as the ambient fluid.

a. Using the Buckingham Pi theorem, find a relation between the dimensionless sound power and the other
dimensionless parameter(s) of the system.
b. How would the sound power vary if the nozzle diameter is doubled with all other factors staying the same?

Answer(s):
2 3 2
Mach #
W U
f
c U D
| |
|
=
|
|
\ .

increase by a factor of four

DimensionalAnalysis PracticeProblems

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Practice Problems on the Dimensional Analysis

C. Wassgren, Purdue University Page 1 of 25 Last Updated: 2010 Oct 18

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