CE 360 Fluid Mechanics
Spring 2021
Homework #1
Assigned: January 21, 2021
Due: January 28, 2021
Instructions:
Complete the following problems in an organized, clear manner. State your assumptions. Please
show your step by step solution.
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1. The drag force 𝐹𝐷 on a body is given by 𝐹𝐷 = 2 𝜌𝑉 2 𝐴𝐶𝐷 . Hence the drag depends on
speed 𝑉, fluid density 𝜌, body size (indicated by frontal area 𝐴) and shape (indicated
by drag coefficient 𝐶𝐷 ). What are the dimensions of 𝐶𝐷 ? [11 points]
2. Derive the following conversion factors: [11 points total]
(a) Convert a volume flow rate in cubic inches per minute to cubic millimeters per
minute.
(b) Convert a pressure in mmHg to pounds per square inch (psi).
(c) Convert a dynamic viscosity in pound-second per foot squared (lb-s/ft2) to
Newtons-minute per meter squared (N-min/m2).
(d) Convert a volume flow rate of air in cubic feet per minute to cubic meters per
hour.
3. An important dimensionless parameter in certain types of fluid problems is the
Weber number defined as ρ𝑣 2 l /σ, where ρ is a density, 𝑣 the velocity, 𝑙 is a length,
and 𝜎 is the surface tension. Determine the value of the Weber number for 𝑣 =
10 𝑓𝑡/𝑠, ρ = 3 𝑠𝑙𝑢𝑔𝑠/𝑓𝑡 3 , 𝑙 = 2 𝑓𝑡, and 𝜎 = 2 × 10−3 𝑙𝑏/𝑓𝑡. Recalculate the
Weber number using SI units for 𝑉, ρ, 𝑙, and 𝜎. [11 points]
4. A formula to estimate the volume rate of flow, Q, flowing over a dam of length, B,
is given by the equation
𝑄 = 3.09𝐵𝐻 3/2
where H is the depth of water above the top of dam (called the head). This formula
gives Q in ft3/s when B and H are in feet. Is the constant, 3.09, dimensionless? Would
this equation be valid if metric units were used? [11 points]
5. A hydrometer measures the specific gravity of liquids. For a certain liquid, a
hydrometer reading indicates a specific gravity of 0.85. What is the liquid’s density
and specific weight? Express your answer in SI units. Is this fluid denser than
water? Explain. [11 points]
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6. A 3 ft3 closed tank is filled with 0.06 lb of a gas. A pressure gage attached to the tank
reads 14 psi when the gas temperature is 80 ℉. There is some question as to whether
the gas in the tank is oxygen or helium. Which do you think it is? Explain how you
arrived at your answer. [11 points]
7. A Newtonian fluid is flowing between two fixed plates as shown in the diagram
below. The fluid has a kinematic viscosity of = − m2/s and density of 789
kg/m3. The distance between the two plates is 0.5 m, and y = 0 at the center of the
pipe. The velocity distribution for the flow is given by the equation below. Find the
shear stress acting on the bottom wall (hint: use y = -h). [12 points]
V y 2
U= 1 −
4 h
8. A 15-kg box slides down a smooth inclined surface as shown in the figure below.
Determine the terminal velocity of the box if the 0.1 mm gap between the box and
the surface contains gasoline at 60 ℉. Assume the velocity distribution in the gap is
linear, and the area of the block in contact with the gasoline is 0.1 m2. [11 points]
9. A clean 0.5-in diameter tube is insert in a container of glycerin at 60 ℉. A contact
angle of 10° is measured. Determine the height that the glycerin rises. If a 0.02-in
diameter tube was used, what would be the height be? [11 points]
Extra Credit (7 points extra)
For this week’s extra credit options (just need to do 1):
• Find a video online that demonstrates a phenomenon that we talked about in class so far.
Provide the link/source and write a few sentences about what it shows and how it relates
to something from class.
• Find liquids with two different viscosities in your home/apartment. Pour out a little bit or
use a spoon to drizzle a bit of each. Write a few sentences about what you observed and
include a photo that shows the two liquids.
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