(SEM III) THEORY EXAMINATION 2021-22 FLUID MECHANICS & FLUID MACHINES

This question paper belongs to the B.Tech Semester III examination for the subject Fluid Mechanics & Fluid Machines (KME302).
It carries 100 marks with a duration of 3 hours, and it evaluates the student’s understanding of core fluid mechanics principles, flow kinematics, boundary-layer concepts, dimensional analysis, turbines, pumps, and hydro-machinery.

The paper is divided into three structured sections — A, B, and C, progressing from basic definitions to analytical problems and full-length engineering derivations.

SECTION A – Short Conceptual Questions (20 Marks)

Section A contains 10 short questions, each for 2 marks, checking basic definitions and fundamentals:

Ideal fluid

Capillary rise

Froude number

Reynolds number significance

Eddy viscosity

Laminar sub-layer

Unit power of turbine

Role of penstock in hydropower plant

Definition of a pump

Slip of reciprocating pump

These questions assess conceptual clarity in basic fluid properties, flow behaviour, and machinery components.
 

SECTION B – Analytical & Numerical Questions (30 Marks)

Students must attempt any three out of five (each 10 marks). Key topics include:

Flow measurement using Venturimeter with differential manometer

Velocity potential → velocity components + corresponding stream function

Derivation of energy thickness (boundary layer)

Governing mechanism of Pelton turbine (with sketch)

Ideal indicator diagram and effect of friction in suction/delivery pipes

This section evaluates calculation ability, derivation skills, and understanding of flow measurement & turbine behavior.

SECTION C – Long Engineering Problems & Derivations (50 Marks)

This section has five major questions, each containing two alternatives. Students must attempt one part from each.

Q3 – Viscosity / Notch & Weir

Effect of temperature on viscosity with reasoning

OR computing discharge coefficient for a right-angled notch experiment

Q4 – Dimensional Analysis / Continuity Equation

Using Buckingham’s Π-theorem to derive expression for resistance on submerged body

OR deriving 3-D continuity equation

Q5 – Flow Systems / Aero Forces on Kite

Siphon, pipes in series, total energy line

OR calculating lift and drag coefficients for a kite using given aerodynamic data

Q6 – Turbine Unit Quantities / Jet Impact Problem

Derivation of unit discharge & unit speed of turbine

OR thrust, power, and efficiency of a jet striking a moving curved vane

Q7 – Centrifugal Pump / Reciprocating Pump

Derivation of specific speed & minimum starting speed of a centrifugal pump

OR classification of reciprocating pump + proof that work done ∝ indicator diagram area

This section tests high-level fluid engineering understanding, mechanical reasoning, derivations, and turbine/pump applications.

OVERALL SUMMARY

The Fluid Mechanics & Fluid Machines (KME302) question paper comprehensively covers:

Fluid properties & flow characteristics

Dimensional analysis & flow measurement

Boundary layer concepts

Turbines (Pelton, reaction turbines)

Centrifugal & reciprocating pumps

Jet impact, siphons, pipes, energy lines

Continuity equation & velocity potential

Lift & drag on submerged/immersed bodies

It balances definitions, derivations, numerical problems, and engineering-oriented applications, making it a complete and thorough evaluation tool for mechanical engineering students.