(SEM III) THEORY EXAMINATION 2020-21 FLUID MECHANICS AND FLUID MACHINES

This document is the B.Tech Semester III Theory Examination Question Paper for Fluid Mechanics & Fluid Machines (FMFM), Subject Code KME302, conducted by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) for the exam year 2020–2021. The paper carries a total of 100 marks and the exam duration is 3 hours. It is designed to test a student’s conceptual understanding, analytical skills, mathematical application, and problem-solving ability related to fluid behavior, fluid statics, fluid dynamics, turbines, pumps, and hydraulic machines.

The question paper is clearly structured into seven sections, each assessing different topics from the syllabus. It includes both short conceptual questions and long numerical/theory questions, offering a balanced assessment pattern.

Section A – Short & Fundamental Concepts (10 × 2 = 20 Marks)

This section contains ten brief questions, each for 2 marks, checking the student’s understanding of basic fluid mechanics definitions and properties.
Topics include:

Viscosity and its units

Compressibility in relation to bulk modulus

Stability of floating bodies using metacenter (M) & center of gravity (G)

Froude number and Weber number

Average velocity location in laminar pipe flow

Difference between laminar, turbulent, and transient flow

Equipotential lines

Eulerian vs. Lagrangian approach

Percentage work saved by air vessels

Purpose of priming in a centrifugal pump

Section B – Long Questions (Attempt Any Three, 10 Marks Each)

This section includes five questions from which students must attempt any three.
The questions cover:

Velocity distribution and shear stress in a pipe

Derivation of continuity equation for steady, incompressible flow in Cartesian coordinates

Streamlines, equipotential lines, flow net, and their orthogonal relationship

Kaplan turbine design calculations (runner diameter, speed, specific speed)

Specific speed of a centrifugal pump and its derivation

These questions require clear steps, formulas, diagrams, and mathematical solutions.
 

Section C – Venturimeter & Pipeline Problems (10 Marks)

Students choose one of two questions:

Venturimeter: working principle and derivation for discharge

Pipeline water conduction numerical involving reservoir, nozzle velocity (60 m/s), jet diameter (20 cm), power of jet, and friction losses

These problems test analytical and derivational ability.
 

Section D – Flow Field Analysis & Supersonic Plane Force Relationship (10 Marks)

Options include:

Evaluating velocity & acceleration at a point in a 2D incompressible flow

Checking physical possibility of flow and deriving stream function

Dimensional analysis to express resisting force on a supersonic aircraft in terms of length, velocity, viscosity, density, and bulk modulus

This section focuses on advanced mathematical analysis in fluid mechanics.

Section E – Boundary Layer Characteristics (10 Marks)

Students choose one:

Finding displacement thickness, momentum thickness, and shape factor of a boundary layer velocity profile

Explaining boundary layer separation phenomenon

This section tests understanding of external flow behavior and boundary layer theory.
 

Section F – Hydraulic Turbines (10 Marks)

Students choose one:

Pelton turbine numerical involving RPM, water flow rate, head, hydraulic efficiency, jet deflection, runner diameter, etc.

Working of Francis turbine with neat sketch

This section checks understanding of impulse and reaction turbines.

Section G – Reciprocating Pump & Pump Phenomena (10 Marks)

Final section includes:

Reciprocating pump numerical: theoretical discharge, coefficient of discharge, slip, and percentage slip

Explanation of volute casing, diffuser, and cavitation in centrifugal pumps

These questions test knowledge of pump mechanisms and operating characteristics.

Overall Summary of the Document

This AKTU FMFM question paper provides a comprehensive assessment of:

Fluid properties

Fluid statics & kinematics

Continuity, momentum, and energy equations

Boundary layer theory

Pipe flow dynamics

Dimensional analysis

Hydraulic turbines (Pelton, Francis, Kaplan)

Reciprocating and centrifugal pumps

Flow measurement devices (Venturimeter)

The paper uses a mix of definition-based, theoretical, diagram-based, and numerical questions to evaluate a student’s full understanding of fluid mechanics and hydraulic machines.