FMA401M

January/February 2013

Question 1

The velocity of propagation of a pressure wave through a liquid U can be expected to depend on
the elasticity of the liquid represented by the bulk modulus K, and its mass density .
1.1 List the dimensions of U, K and .
1.2 Using the Rayleigh method, determine the relationship between these variables K
and and U.

Solution

1.1 Listing the dimensions for the variables

Variables Dimensions
U [LT-1]
K [ML-1T-2]
[ML-3]

1.2 Rayleigh method

Assume U = c Ka b

Substituting the dimensions found in 1.1 into the above equation,

U = c Ka b
[LT-1] = [ML-1T-2]a[ML-3]b

By inspection,

M: 0 = a + b
L: 1 = -a 3b
T: -1 = -2a

Solving simultaneously:

a = and b=-

Therefore:
Question 2

A 1:20 scale model of a surface vessel is used to test the influence of a proposed design on the
wave drag. A drag of 27.5 N is measured at a model speed of 2.4 m/s.

2.1 What speed does this correspond to on the prototype, and

2.2 What drag is predicted for the prototype?

Neglect viscous effects and assume the same fluid for model and prototype. You can assume CD to
be the same for both the model and the prototype.

Solution

2.1 The Froude number must be equated for both model and prototype,

Thus

2.2 To find the drag on the prototype,