(SEM III) THEORY EXAMINATION 2017-18 FLUID MECHANICS

This document contains the complete B.Tech Semester III – Theory Examination 2017–18 question paper for Fluid Mechanics (RCE-303). The paper spans two printed pages, carries 70 marks, and thoroughly evaluates a student's understanding of fluid properties, hydrostatics, kinematics, dynamics, boundary layers, flow measurement, dimensional analysis, and applied fluid-flow problems.

Section A – Short Conceptual Questions (14 Marks)

Section A consists of seven brief questions that test fundamental concepts of fluid mechanics. Topics include:

Definitions of cohesion and adhesion

Explanation of gauge pressure, vacuum pressure, and absolute pressure with sketches

Difference between Eulerian and Lagrangian approaches

Understanding rotational vs. irrotational flow

Purpose of a Pitot-static tube

Meaning of shape factor in boundary-layer theory

Concepts of drag and lift

This section evaluates the student’s foundational knowledge of fluid behavior and essential fluid properties.
 

Section B – Analytical & Application-Based Questions (21 Marks)

This section requires students to attempt any three out of five questions. These involve derivations, numerical evaluations, and conceptual explanations:

U-tube manometer level difference for liquids of different specific gravities

Derivation of the continuity equation for incompressible, steady, irrotational flow

Discussion of major and minor losses in pipe flow

Calculation of displacement thickness and momentum thickness from given velocity profile

Explanation of the Magnus effect, with practical application

These questions assess a student’s ability to apply fluid mechanics principles to mathematical and real-world engineering scenarios.
 

Section C – Long Answer Problems (35 Marks)

Students must attempt one part from each question group, covering advanced topics, numerical problems, and design-related questions.

1. Buoyancy & Stability

Conditions of stability for floating and submerged bodies with sketches

Total pressure and center of pressure on an immersed circular plate

2. Fluid Kinematics & Flow Rate

Acceleration of a fluid particle from a given velocity field

Velocities in branching pipes using continuity equation

3. Flow Measurement Devices

Working and derivation of Venturimeter discharge equation

Discharge through a trapezoidal notch with given coefficients

4. Boundary Layer Theory

Boundary layer thickness at transition point & plate end for oil flow

Concept and sketch of boundary-layer separation

5. Dimensional Analysis & Aerodynamic Forces

Drag, lift, and resultant force on a square plate moving in air

Dimensional analysis to derive discharge equation for a triangular notch, involving:

central angle (α)

head (H)

gravitational acceleration (g)

density (ρ), viscosity (µ), and surface tension (σ)

This section measures the student's command over design, analysis, and evaluation of fluid-flow systems.
 

Summary

This Fluid Mechanics (RCE-303) exam paper comprehensively assesses the student's capabilities in:

Fluid properties & pressure measurement

Hydrostatics and buoyancy

Kinematics and dynamics of fluid flow

Pipe flow losses & boundary layer behavior

Velocity fields & continuity

Flow measurement devices

Dimensional analysis

Drag, lift, and forces in moving fluids

It is a complete academic resource for civil/mechanical engineering students studying fundamental and applied fluid mechanics concepts.