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Chapter 6: Nondimensionalization and Scaling

Chapter 6: Nondimensionalization and Scaling

pp. 182-219

Authors

, University of Iowa
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Extract

In this chapter, a concept known as scaling is introduced. Scaling (also known as nondimensionalization) is essentially a form of dimensional analysis. Dimensional analysis is a general term used to describe a means of analyzing a system based off the units of the problem (e.g. kilogram for mass, kelvin for temperature, meter for length, coulomb for electric change, etc.). The concepts of this chapter, while not entirely about the fluid equations per se, is arguably the most useful in understanding the various concepts of fluid mechanics. In addition, the concepts discussed within this chapter can be extended to other areas of physics, particularly areas that are heavily reliant on differential equations (which is most of physics and engineering).

Keywords

  • nondimensionalization
  • scaling
  • dimensional analysis
  • Navier–Stokes
  • fluid dynamics
  • fluid mechanics
  • hydrodynamics
  • aerodynamics

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