# Homework Help: Simple dimensional analysis

1. Apr 12, 2009

### chewwy

Just read this, and got a bit confused when trying to do it...

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

We have a diffusion equation situation with a semi-infinite rod, so:

$\frac{\partial \theta}{\partial t} = \lambda \frac{\partial^2 \theta }{\partial x^2 }$

at infinity the rod is at some fixed temperature $\theta_0$, whilst at x=0, the temperature increases proportionally to time. write $\theta(x,t)=\theta_0 + ktF$.

explain with the help of dimensional analysis why F is a function only of the similarity variable $\zeta = \frac{x}{\sqrt{\lambda t}}$, and is independent of $\theta_0$ and k.

3. The attempt at a solution

Ok, right... so F must be dimensionless. but we have five variables here - $\theta_0 , x, t, \lambda , k$. how do we show $\theta_0$ and k aren't involved?

Last edited: Apr 12, 2009
2. Apr 13, 2009

### chewwy

I can get to the fact that F must be a function of $(\frac{\theta_0}{kt})^a (\frac{x}{\sqrt{\lambda t}})^b$

but then i'm stuck...

3. Apr 13, 2009

### latentcorpse

this is almost certainly wrong but if $\theta_0$ has units of temperature and t has units seconds and k is of units $Ks^{-1}$ then $\frac{\theta_0}{kt}$ has units $\frac{K}{Ks^{-1}s}$ which all cancel so thats just a constant, then you have

$F = C \zeta^b$ with C a constant. Don't you?

4. Apr 13, 2009

### chewwy

just because a quantity is dimensionless does not make it constant - it's a function of t!

Last edited: Apr 13, 2009