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Similitude

Fluid Mechanics · FE Reference Handbook section

Fluid Mechanics
22 formulas
10 exam-style examples
~60 min
All Fluid Mechanics lectures

Handbook notes for this section

Definitions and conditions exactly as the handbook states them.

  • In order to use a model to simulate the conditions of the prototype, the model must be geometrically, kinematically, and
  • dynamically similar to the prototype system.
  • To obtain dynamic similarity between two flow pictures, all independent force ratios that can be written must be the same in
  • both the model and the prototype. Thus, dynamic similarity between two flow pictures (when all possible forces are acting) is
  • expressed in the five simultaneous equations below.

Core formulas for this FE topic

Definitions, applicability, units, assumptions and worked examples for each relation.

Worked exam-style examples

The four ways this section is written on the real exam — thoughts first, then equations, then substitution.

Example 1
Similitude (Froude number scaling) — solve for model velocity — Similitude

similitude between a spillway model and prototype dam Given prototype velocity (V_p) = 5.6000 m/s; prototype length (L_p) = 31.0000 m; model length (L_m) = 1.0000 m, determine the model velocity (V_m) in m/s.

Given

  • prototypevelocity(Vp)=5.6000m/sprototype velocity (V_p) = 5.6000 m/s
  • prototypelength(Lp)=31.0000mprototype length (L_p) = 31.0000 m
  • modellength(Lm)=1.0000mmodel length (L_m) = 1.0000 m

Find

model velocity (V_m), in m/s

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Similitude (Froude number scaling).
  • Everything except V_m is given, so isolate V_m symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Similitude between a scale model and its prototype is maintained by matching the Froude number.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    VmgLm=VpgLp\dfrac{V_m}{\sqrt{g L_m}} = \dfrac{V_p}{\sqrt{g L_p}}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that V_m stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: prototype velocity (V_p) = 5.6000 m/s, prototype length (L_p) = 31.0000 m, model length (L_m) = 1.0000 m.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Vm=1.0058 m/sV_{m} = 1.0058\ \text{m/s}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning V_m = 1.0058 m/s to

    VmgLm=VpgLp\dfrac{V_m}{\sqrt{g L_m}} = \dfrac{V_p}{\sqrt{g L_p}}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Vm=1.0058 m/sV_{m} = 1.0058\ \text{m/s}

Why the other options are there

  • 2.0116 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.5029 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 1.1064 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Similitude

Example 2
Similitude (Froude number scaling) — solve for prototype velocity — Similitude (2)

similitude used in a ship-hull towing tank model Given prototype length (L_p) = 47.0000 m; model length (L_m) = 1.3500 m; model velocity (V_m) = 1.5500 m/s, determine the prototype velocity (V_p) in m/s.

Given

  • prototypelength(Lp)=47.0000mprototype length (L_p) = 47.0000 m
  • modellength(Lm)=1.3500mmodel length (L_m) = 1.3500 m
  • modelvelocity(Vm)=1.5500m/smodel velocity (V_m) = 1.5500 m/s

Find

prototype velocity (V_p), in m/s

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Similitude (Froude number scaling).
  • Everything except V_p is given, so isolate V_p symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Similitude between a scale model and its prototype is maintained by matching the Froude number.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    VmgLm=VpgLp\dfrac{V_m}{\sqrt{g L_m}} = \dfrac{V_p}{\sqrt{g L_p}}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that V_p stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: prototype length (L_p) = 47.0000 m, model length (L_m) = 1.3500 m, model velocity (V_m) = 1.5500 m/s.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Vp=9.1456 m/sV_{p} = 9.1456\ \text{m/s}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning V_p = 9.1456 m/s to

    VmgLm=VpgLp\dfrac{V_m}{\sqrt{g L_m}} = \dfrac{V_p}{\sqrt{g L_p}}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Vp=9.1456 m/sV_{p} = 9.1456\ \text{m/s}

Why the other options are there

  • 18.2913 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 4.5728 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 10.0602 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Similitude

Example 3
Similitude (Froude number scaling) — solve for model length — Similitude (3)

similitude scaling of a scale-model open-channel structure Given prototype velocity (V_p) = 5.5000 m/s; prototype length (L_p) = 11.0000 m; model velocity (V_m) = 3.4000 m/s, determine the model length (L_m) in m.

Given

  • prototypevelocity(Vp)=5.5000m/sprototype velocity (V_p) = 5.5000 m/s
  • prototypelength(Lp)=11.0000mprototype length (L_p) = 11.0000 m
  • modelvelocity(Vm)=3.4000m/smodel velocity (V_m) = 3.4000 m/s

Find

model length (L_m), in m

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Similitude (Froude number scaling).
  • Everything except L_m is given, so isolate L_m symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Similitude between a scale model and its prototype is maintained by matching the Froude number.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    VmgLm=VpgLp\dfrac{V_m}{\sqrt{g L_m}} = \dfrac{V_p}{\sqrt{g L_p}}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that L_m stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: prototype velocity (V_p) = 5.5000 m/s, prototype length (L_p) = 11.0000 m, model velocity (V_m) = 3.4000 m/s.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Lm=4.2036 mL_{m} = 4.2036\ \text{m}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning L_m = 4.2036 m to

    VmgLm=VpgLp\dfrac{V_m}{\sqrt{g L_m}} = \dfrac{V_p}{\sqrt{g L_p}}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Lm=4.2036 mL_{m} = 4.2036\ \text{m}

Why the other options are there

  • 8.4073 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 2.1018 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 4.6240 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Similitude

Example 4
Similitude (Froude number scaling) — solve for model velocity (case 2) — Similitude (4)

similitude between a spillway model and prototype dam Given prototype velocity (V_p) = 4.0000 m/s; prototype length (L_p) = 25.0000 m; model length (L_m) = 0.4000 m, determine the model velocity (V_m) in m/s.

Given

  • prototypevelocity(Vp)=4.0000m/sprototype velocity (V_p) = 4.0000 m/s
  • prototypelength(Lp)=25.0000mprototype length (L_p) = 25.0000 m
  • modellength(Lm)=0.4000mmodel length (L_m) = 0.4000 m

Find

model velocity (V_m), in m/s

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Similitude (Froude number scaling).
  • Everything except V_m is given, so isolate V_m symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Similitude between a scale model and its prototype is maintained by matching the Froude number.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    VmgLm=VpgLp\dfrac{V_m}{\sqrt{g L_m}} = \dfrac{V_p}{\sqrt{g L_p}}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that V_m stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: prototype velocity (V_p) = 4.0000 m/s, prototype length (L_p) = 25.0000 m, model length (L_m) = 0.4000 m.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Vm=0.5060 m/sV_{m} = 0.5060\ \text{m/s}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning V_m = 0.5060 m/s to

    VmgLm=VpgLp\dfrac{V_m}{\sqrt{g L_m}} = \dfrac{V_p}{\sqrt{g L_p}}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Vm=0.5060 m/sV_{m} = 0.5060\ \text{m/s}

Why the other options are there

  • 1.0119 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.2530 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 0.5566 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Similitude

Example 5
Similitude (Froude number scaling) — solve for prototype velocity (case 2) — Similitude (5)

similitude used in a ship-hull towing tank model Given prototype length (L_p) = 41.0000 m; model length (L_m) = 1.2000 m; model velocity (V_m) = 0.6500 m/s, determine the prototype velocity (V_p) in m/s.

Given

  • prototypelength(Lp)=41.0000mprototype length (L_p) = 41.0000 m
  • modellength(Lm)=1.2000mmodel length (L_m) = 1.2000 m
  • modelvelocity(Vm)=0.6500m/smodel velocity (V_m) = 0.6500 m/s

Find

prototype velocity (V_p), in m/s

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Similitude (Froude number scaling).
  • Everything except V_p is given, so isolate V_p symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Similitude between a scale model and its prototype is maintained by matching the Froude number.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    VmgLm=VpgLp\dfrac{V_m}{\sqrt{g L_m}} = \dfrac{V_p}{\sqrt{g L_p}}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that V_p stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: prototype length (L_p) = 41.0000 m, model length (L_m) = 1.2000 m, model velocity (V_m) = 0.6500 m/s.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Vp=3.7994 m/sV_{p} = 3.7994\ \text{m/s}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning V_p = 3.7994 m/s to

    VmgLm=VpgLp\dfrac{V_m}{\sqrt{g L_m}} = \dfrac{V_p}{\sqrt{g L_p}}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Vp=3.7994 m/sV_{p} = 3.7994\ \text{m/s}

Why the other options are there

  • 7.5988 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 1.8997 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 4.1793 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Similitude

Example 6
Similitude (Froude number scaling) — solve for model length (case 2) — Similitude (6)

similitude scaling of a scale-model open-channel structure Given prototype velocity (V_p) = 2.8000 m/s; prototype length (L_p) = 30.0000 m; model velocity (V_m) = 0.6000 m/s, determine the model length (L_m) in m.

Given

  • prototypevelocity(Vp)=2.8000m/sprototype velocity (V_p) = 2.8000 m/s
  • prototypelength(Lp)=30.0000mprototype length (L_p) = 30.0000 m
  • modelvelocity(Vm)=0.6000m/smodel velocity (V_m) = 0.6000 m/s

Find

model length (L_m), in m

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Similitude (Froude number scaling).
  • Everything except L_m is given, so isolate L_m symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Similitude between a scale model and its prototype is maintained by matching the Froude number.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    VmgLm=VpgLp\dfrac{V_m}{\sqrt{g L_m}} = \dfrac{V_p}{\sqrt{g L_p}}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that L_m stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: prototype velocity (V_p) = 2.8000 m/s, prototype length (L_p) = 30.0000 m, model velocity (V_m) = 0.6000 m/s.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Lm=1.3776 mL_{m} = 1.3776\ \text{m}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning L_m = 1.3776 m to

    VmgLm=VpgLp\dfrac{V_m}{\sqrt{g L_m}} = \dfrac{V_p}{\sqrt{g L_p}}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Lm=1.3776 mL_{m} = 1.3776\ \text{m}

Why the other options are there

  • 2.7551 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.6888 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 1.5153 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Similitude

Example 7
Similitude (Froude number scaling) — solve for model velocity (case 3) — Similitude (7)

similitude between a spillway model and prototype dam Given prototype velocity (V_p) = 2.1000 m/s; prototype length (L_p) = 14.0000 m; model length (L_m) = 1.8000 m, determine the model velocity (V_m) in m/s.

Given

  • prototypevelocity(Vp)=2.1000m/sprototype velocity (V_p) = 2.1000 m/s
  • prototypelength(Lp)=14.0000mprototype length (L_p) = 14.0000 m
  • modellength(Lm)=1.8000mmodel length (L_m) = 1.8000 m

Find

model velocity (V_m), in m/s

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Similitude (Froude number scaling).
  • Everything except V_m is given, so isolate V_m symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Similitude between a scale model and its prototype is maintained by matching the Froude number.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    VmgLm=VpgLp\dfrac{V_m}{\sqrt{g L_m}} = \dfrac{V_p}{\sqrt{g L_p}}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that V_m stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: prototype velocity (V_p) = 2.1000 m/s, prototype length (L_p) = 14.0000 m, model length (L_m) = 1.8000 m.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Vm=0.7530 m/sV_{m} = 0.7530\ \text{m/s}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning V_m = 0.7530 m/s to

    VmgLm=VpgLp\dfrac{V_m}{\sqrt{g L_m}} = \dfrac{V_p}{\sqrt{g L_p}}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Vm=0.7530 m/sV_{m} = 0.7530\ \text{m/s}

Why the other options are there

  • 1.5060 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.3765 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 0.8283 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Similitude

Example 8
Similitude (Froude number scaling) — solve for prototype velocity (case 3) — Similitude (8)

similitude used in a ship-hull towing tank model Given prototype length (L_p) = 10.0000 m; model length (L_m) = 0.9000 m; model velocity (V_m) = 3.1000 m/s, determine the prototype velocity (V_p) in m/s.

Given

  • prototypelength(Lp)=10.0000mprototype length (L_p) = 10.0000 m
  • modellength(Lm)=0.9000mmodel length (L_m) = 0.9000 m
  • modelvelocity(Vm)=3.1000m/smodel velocity (V_m) = 3.1000 m/s

Find

prototype velocity (V_p), in m/s

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Similitude (Froude number scaling).
  • Everything except V_p is given, so isolate V_p symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Similitude between a scale model and its prototype is maintained by matching the Froude number.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    VmgLm=VpgLp\dfrac{V_m}{\sqrt{g L_m}} = \dfrac{V_p}{\sqrt{g L_p}}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that V_p stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: prototype length (L_p) = 10.0000 m, model length (L_m) = 0.9000 m, model velocity (V_m) = 3.1000 m/s.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Vp=10.3333 m/sV_{p} = 10.3333\ \text{m/s}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning V_p = 10.3333 m/s to

    VmgLm=VpgLp\dfrac{V_m}{\sqrt{g L_m}} = \dfrac{V_p}{\sqrt{g L_p}}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Vp=10.3333 m/sV_{p} = 10.3333\ \text{m/s}

Why the other options are there

  • 20.6667 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 5.1667 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 11.3667 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Similitude

Example 9
Similitude (Froude number scaling) — solve for model length (case 3) — Similitude (9)

similitude scaling of a scale-model open-channel structure Given prototype velocity (V_p) = 2.5000 m/s; prototype length (L_p) = 28.0000 m; model velocity (V_m) = 2.2000 m/s, determine the model length (L_m) in m.

Given

  • prototypevelocity(Vp)=2.5000m/sprototype velocity (V_p) = 2.5000 m/s
  • prototypelength(Lp)=28.0000mprototype length (L_p) = 28.0000 m
  • modelvelocity(Vm)=2.2000m/smodel velocity (V_m) = 2.2000 m/s

Find

model length (L_m), in m

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Similitude (Froude number scaling).
  • Everything except L_m is given, so isolate L_m symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Similitude between a scale model and its prototype is maintained by matching the Froude number.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    VmgLm=VpgLp\dfrac{V_m}{\sqrt{g L_m}} = \dfrac{V_p}{\sqrt{g L_p}}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that L_m stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: prototype velocity (V_p) = 2.5000 m/s, prototype length (L_p) = 28.0000 m, model velocity (V_m) = 2.2000 m/s.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Lm=21.6832 mL_{m} = 21.6832\ \text{m}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning L_m = 21.6832 m to

    VmgLm=VpgLp\dfrac{V_m}{\sqrt{g L_m}} = \dfrac{V_p}{\sqrt{g L_p}}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Lm=21.6832 mL_{m} = 21.6832\ \text{m}

Why the other options are there

  • 43.3664 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 10.8416 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 23.8515 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Similitude

Example 10
Similitude (Froude number scaling) — solve for model velocity (case 4) — Similitude (10)

similitude between a spillway model and prototype dam Given prototype velocity (V_p) = 8.1000 m/s; prototype length (L_p) = 46.0000 m; model length (L_m) = 1.9500 m, determine the model velocity (V_m) in m/s.

Given

  • prototypevelocity(Vp)=8.1000m/sprototype velocity (V_p) = 8.1000 m/s
  • prototypelength(Lp)=46.0000mprototype length (L_p) = 46.0000 m
  • modellength(Lm)=1.9500mmodel length (L_m) = 1.9500 m

Find

model velocity (V_m), in m/s

Start with the thinking

  • The governing relation printed in this handbook section is Similitude (Froude number scaling).
  • Everything except V_m is given, so isolate V_m symbolically first — never rearrange after the numbers are in.
  • Tabulate each given with its unit and confirm the units are consistent with the relation before substituting.
  • Similitude between a scale model and its prototype is maintained by matching the Froude number.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Step 1 — State the governing relation:

    VmgLm=VpgLp\dfrac{V_m}{\sqrt{g L_m}} = \dfrac{V_p}{\sqrt{g L_p}}
  2. Step 2 — Rearrange the relation so that V_m stands alone on the left-hand side.

  3. Step 3 — List the givens: prototype velocity (V_p) = 8.1000 m/s, prototype length (L_p) = 46.0000 m, model length (L_m) = 1.9500 m.

  4. Step 4 — Substitute the given values into the rearranged relation.

  5. Step 5 — Evaluate:

    Vm=1.6677 m/sV_{m} = 1.6677\ \text{m/s}
  6. Step 6 — Check: returning V_m = 1.6677 m/s to

    VmgLm=VpgLp\dfrac{V_m}{\sqrt{g L_m}} = \dfrac{V_p}{\sqrt{g L_p}}

    reproduces the given quantities, and both sides carry the same units.

Answer:
Vm=1.6677 m/sV_{m} = 1.6677\ \text{m/s}

Why the other options are there

  • 3.3354 — kept a factor of two that cancels in the correct rearrangement.
  • 0.8339 — dropped that same factor in the other direction.
  • 1.8345 — rounded an intermediate value before the final step.

Reference: FE Handbook — Similitude

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