Can Someone Explain Step 4 in the Buckingham Pi Theorem Homework?

In summary: The only other fundamental dimension is time. You don't have a time dependent problem, so you just grab three of the four and go to work.In summary, the two images show how to group repeating and non-repeating variables in order to create dimensionless groups. The repeating variables in both images are D, V, and ρ, while the non-repeating variables are F and µ. This grouping process is similar to choosing a basis for a vector space, with the repeating variables being the three linearly independent vectors in a three-dimensional space. These variables are chosen because they cannot be derived from any other physical units, making them suitable for creating dimensionless quantities.
  • #1
hotjohn
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Homework Statement



http://www-mdp.eng.cam.ac.uk/web/li...mal_dvd_only/aero/fprops/dimension/node9.html

can somoene expalin about step 4 in the first photo attached ?
What does it mean by each group has all the repeating variables and non-repeating variable ?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


As in the second photo , the repeating variable is M , L , and T . Each Fd , D , V , µ and ρ have M, L, T . So , what where is the non-repeating factor ?
In the first phto, we can see that the author group ( D, V ,
ρ and F ) into π1 ,
(D , V , µ and ρ ) into π2 . I didnt see any non-repeating factor into both π1 and π2
 

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  • #2
hotjohn said:
As in the second photo , the repeating variable is M , L , and T .
No, in both images the repeating variables are D , V, and ρ.
Each Pi group must contain all repeating variables and exactly one non-repeating. Each Pi group must use a different non-repeating variable, hence the name.
The two non repeating vars are F and mu, so the two groups are D, V, rho, F and D, V, rho, mu.
 
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  • #3
haruspex said:
No, in both images the repeating variables are D , V, and ρ.
Each Pi group must contain all repeating variables and exactly one non-repeating. Each Pi group must use a different non-repeating variable, hence the name.
The two non repeating vars are F and mu, so the two groups are D, V, rho, F and D, V, rho, mu.
Why the repeating variables are D , V, and ρ ? how to see it ? for three of them , they contain L , L/ T and M / ( L^3) respectively...
 
  • #4
hotjohn said:
Why the repeating variables are D , V, and ρ ? how to see it ? for three of them , they contain L , L/ T and M / ( L^3) respectively...
Not sure what it is you are asking how to see.
If you mean, how to choose them, it's like picking a basis for a vector space. Since the only fundamental dimensions present are M, L and T, the space is three dimensional. A basis is therefore three linearly independent vectors. Linearly independent here means that you cannot construct a dimensionless quantity from them, except trivially.
Since M only occurs in rho, you cannot get rid of it again by bringing in a combination of the D and V. So any dimensionless construct from them cannot involve rho. That leaves D and V. T occurs in V but not in D, so there is no nontrivial combination of D and V that is dimensionless.
 
  • #5
haruspex said:
Not sure what it is you are asking how to see.
If you mean, how to choose them, it's like picking a basis for a vector space. Since the only fundamental dimensions present are M, L and T, the space is three dimensional. A basis is therefore three linearly independent vectors. Linearly independent here means that you cannot construct a dimensionless quantity from them, except trivially.
Since M only occurs in rho, you cannot get rid of it again by bringing in a combination of the D and V. So any dimensionless construct from them cannot involve rho. That leaves D and V. T occurs in V but not in D, so there is no nontrivial combination of D and V that is dimensionless.
do u mean we choose D , V, and ρ becasue they are the simplest quantity , that we cannot derive from any other physical unit ?
 
  • #6
hotjohn said:
do u mean we choose D , V, and ρ becasue they are the simplest quantity , that we cannot derive from any other physical unit ?
Not sure if they're the simplest. In the worked example you posted (ac.png) any three of D, V, rho, mu will do. None of them can be dimensionally constructed from the other three.
 

1. What is the Buckingham Pi theorem?

The Buckingham Pi theorem is a mathematical concept used in dimensional analysis to determine the functional relationship between a set of variables in a physical problem. It states that if a physical problem involves n variables and m fundamental dimensions, then the problem can be expressed in terms of n-m dimensionless parameters.

2. When is the Buckingham Pi theorem used?

The Buckingham Pi theorem is used in various fields such as physics, engineering, and chemistry to simplify complex equations and determine relationships between variables. It is particularly useful when dealing with problems involving multiple variables and dimensions.

3. How is the Buckingham Pi theorem applied?

To apply the Buckingham Pi theorem, the first step is to identify all the relevant variables and fundamental dimensions in the problem. Then, using dimensional analysis, construct a set of dimensionless parameters known as Pi terms. These Pi terms can be combined to form a dimensionless equation that represents the relationship between the variables in the problem.

4. What are the advantages of using the Buckingham Pi theorem?

The Buckingham Pi theorem offers several advantages, including simplification of complex equations, identification of the key variables and their relationships, and the ability to perform scale-up and scale-down analyses. It also allows for the creation of dimensionless graphs and provides insights into the underlying physics of a problem.

5. Are there any limitations to the Buckingham Pi theorem?

While the Buckingham Pi theorem is a powerful tool, it has some limitations. For example, it can only be applied to problems that involve physical quantities and does not take into account non-physical factors such as economics or psychology. It also assumes that the variables in a problem are independent, which may not always be the case.

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