1.

Units and Dimensions

In fluid mechanics it is important to get units right. It would be easy if everyone used the SI system but they do not. Many items of old equipment and almost anything American uses non-SI units. We will now consider important variables used in fluid mechanics, their SI units and dimensions.

Quantity Symbol Density

Definition Mass per unit volume

S.I. Units kg/m3

Dimensions [M]/[L]3

Pressure

Force per unit area

N/m2

[M}/[L] [T]2

Surface Tension

Force per unit length

N/m

[M]/[T]2

Velocity

self explanatory

m/s

[L]/[T]

Volumetric flowrate

Flow volume past a point in unit time.

m3/s

[L]3/[T]

Mass flowrate M

Flow mass past a point

kg/s

[M]/[T]

Viscosity

Shear force experienced at a unit shear rate. i.e. how sticky fluid is!

Ns/m2

[M]/[L][T]

Tip: Dimensions are useful. If you have derived an equation and are not sure if it is right, check the dimensions of the left hand side and right hand side. They must be the same or the equation is wrong. Remember, though it can still be wrong but be dimensionally consistent! Just because the dimensions balance does not necessarily mean that it is correct.

2. Pressure Measurement and Hydrostatics

Pressure measurement is one of the most important features of fluid mechanics. First we have an important definition.

absolute pressure = gauge pressure + atmospheric pressure = gauge pressure + 101325 N/m2 in S.I. units. 1 atmosphere = 0 gauge pressure.

Pressure in a static fluid:

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dP/dh = -g

P = gh

Or P = gh In this consideration of manometers we will always use 1 for the left hand side and 2 for the right hand side.

A Simple Manometer

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P1 = 1gz1 P2 = 2gz2 Difference P1 P2 = (2 1)g(h2 h1) or sometimes they use z instead of h. We sometimes say that if fluid 1 is a gas, its is negligible and therefore: P2 P1 2gh

Enlarged Limb or Well Manometer

In this case, one limb is so enlarged that the movement of fluid in it is negligible. Thus, we need only measure one level.

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As with the simple manometer, P1 P2 = (2 1)g(h2 h1) BUT the volume change in both limbs must be the same. i.e. A1h1 = A2h2 where A is the cross sectional area of the limbs. So, P1 P2 = (2 1)gh2(1-A2/A1) A2/A1 is negligible So P1 P2 = (2 1)gh2

The Inclined Tube Manometer

This is in order to increase sensitivity. The displacement is read in a sloping tube. It will appear larger than if it was upright.

moodle.sbc.ac.uk

As before, P1 P2 = (2 1)g(h2 h1) BUT h2 = Lsin Therefore P1 P2 = (2 1)g(Lsin h1) This is sometimes combined with a well manometer

In this case, h1 is more or less constant so if we make it the datum level h1 0.

P1 P2 = (2 1)gLsin

Typical manometer problem for 20 marks Show that for an inclined tube well manometer, the pressure difference can be given by:

P1 P2 = (

1)gLsin

[8 marks]

An inclined tube manometer containing an oil of specific gravity 0.8 reads a length of 20cm. If P2 is atmospheric pressure, 1 is negligible and the manometer has an angle of 30, Calculate the pressure P1. [4 marks]

Explain the apparent paradox:

commons.wikimedia.org The two flasks shown contain different amounts of liquid but have the same base area and the same height of fluid, h. Hence the force acting downwards on the base must be the same, i.e. gh. But b clearly must have a greater mass than a. [8 marks]

Why do we tend to use oil or mercury in manometers rather than water?

[2 marks]

Solution:

First, start with basic definitions: P1 = 1gh1 P2 = 2gh2 (h or z doesnt matter) P1 - P2 = (2 1)g(h2 h1) [1] [2]

Its a well manometer so A1h1 = A2h2 P1 P2 = (2 1)gh2(1 A2/A1) P1 P2 = (2 1)gh2 A2/A1 is negligible [2]

Its an inclined tube manometer so h2 = Lsin

[2]

Therefore P1 P2 = (2 1)gLsin

[1] ----[8]

L = 20cm = 0.2m = 30 so sin = 0.5 P2 = 101300N/m2 [2]

So P1 = 101300 + (800 0)(9.81)(0.2)(0.5) P1 = 102085N/m2 [2] ----[4]

The apparent hydrostatic paradox can be resolved when we remember that pressure acts equally in all directions in a fluid. [2] If we look at container b, the force acting on the base is indeed equal to ghA. But when the force of the fluid is considered to act in all directions, a component of the force that is acting on the wall will be in a downward direction. [2] This force will add to the force ghA at the base to give a sum equal to mg. [2] ----[6]

If we used water in a manometer, and it was open to the atmosphere, it would slowly evaporate. This would regularly need topping up and if you missed it for a few days you would get an inaccurate reading. Also, water might allow the growth of algae. [2] ----[2]