(SEM III) THEORY EXAMINATION 2022-23 FLUID MECHANICS AND FLUID MACHINES

This question paper is designed to evaluate a student’s understanding of Fluid Mechanics, covering fundamental principles, analytical concepts, and practical engineering applications. The paper carries 100 marks and is divided into three structured sections to assess conceptual clarity, numerical ability, and problem-solving skills.

SECTION A – Short Answer Conceptual Questions (20 Marks)

This section tests foundational knowledge in fluid mechanics through ten short questions. Students are required to briefly explain essential concepts such as:

Temperature effect on viscosity

Density vs. specific volume

Laminar & turbulent flow

Reynolds number and steady vs. unsteady flow

Water hammer, cavitation, turbine classification, pump slip

Specific speed of turbines

This section ensures that the student understands the basic definitions and physical behaviour of fluids.

SECTION B – Descriptive / Analytical Questions (30 Marks)

Students must attempt any three out of five questions. These require detailed explanations, derivations, and understanding of engineering applications:

Topics include:

Newton's law of viscosity, capillarity, notches & weirs

Types of flows (uniform, 1D/2D/3D, compressible/incompressible)

Boundary layer separation and control

Derivation of hydraulic efficiency of Pelton turbine

Working principles and specific speed of centrifugal pump

This section evaluates a student's ability to derive formulas, explain concepts structurally, and apply theory to engineering devices.

SECTION C – Long Answer / Application-Based Problems (50 Marks)

This section contains numerical and derivation-based problems that assess advanced understanding. Students must attempt one question from each of the five sub-sections:

Key problem types:

Capillary rise/depression calculations

Venturimeter discharge derivation

Velocity potential & stream function, 3D continuity equations

Major/minor losses, boundary layer, equivalent pipe, momentum & kinetic energy correction factors

Centrifugal pump starting speed, work done by reciprocating pump,

Francis turbine performance calculations involving angles, diameter, width, and efficiency

This section checks the student’s capability to apply theoretical concepts to real engineering systems, perform complex numerical computations, and demonstrate logical derivations.

Purpose of the Question Paper

This examination aims to verify whether the student can:

Understand the fundamental behaviour of fluids

Apply mathematical principles to fluid flow

Analyse performance of hydraulic turbines and pumps

Solve practical engineering problems

Interpret fluid flow phenomena and machinery operations