(SEM IV) THEORY EXAMINATION 2024-25 HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING AND MACHINES

This document contains the complete B.Tech (Semester IV) Theory Examination 2024–25 question paper for Hydraulic Engineering and Machines (BCE403). The paper spans two printed pages, carries 70 marks, and evaluates a student's understanding of open-channel flow, hydraulic structures, pumps, turbines, fluid machinery, surges, cavitation, draft tubes, and specific energy concepts.
 

Section A – Short Conceptual Questions (14 Marks)

Section A includes seven 2-mark questions, designed to test basic hydraulic and fluid machinery concepts:

Meaning and application of energy dissipaters (Page 1)

Short note on Parshall flume, a flow-measuring device

Different types of flow in channels

Types of hydraulic surges

The most efficient channel section and its significance

Chezy’s equation—parameters & usage for uniform flow

Three important discharge measurement devices

These questions test fundamental clarity in open-channel hydraulics and flow measurement.
 

Section B – Analytical & Descriptive Questions (21 Marks)

Students must attempt any three of the five questions. This section covers key hydraulic equations, turbine comparison, channel design, and draft tube theory:

Explanation & comparison of Chezy’s and Manning’s uniform flow equations

Efficiency and application comparison: Francis vs Kaplan turbines

Numerical design of a trapezoidal channel carrying 20 m³/s at given slope using Manning’s equation (Page 1)

Neat sketches of draft tube shapes (straight, elbow, conical), and their working theory

Meaning of NPSH and its relation to cavitation in pumps

These questions check conceptual understanding plus numerical proficiency.
 

Section C – Long Numerical & Conceptual Questions (35 Marks)

Section C consists of five main questions, with one part to be attempted from each.

Q3 – Pelton Turbine / Critical Flow

Working and diagram of a Pelton turbine

OR numerical problem on producing critical flow by raising floor level in a rectangular channel

Q4 – Pumps / Channel Flow Critical Conditions

Comparison between centrifugal and reciprocating pumps

OR numerical problem involving uniform flow → critical depth, hump height & contraction width

Q5 – Jet Impact / GVF Profile

Impulse-momentum principle and its application to jet impact

OR estimation of GVF profile length for a natural channel under raised water surface

Q6 – Water Waves / Specific Energy Theory

Difference between deep and shallow water waves

OR proof that maximum discharge occurs at critical flow for given specific energy

Q7 – Pelton Wheel Design / Critical Flow Condition

Design of a Pelton wheel turbine using given power, head, speed & efficiency data (Page 2)

OR theoretical proof of maximum discharge at critical flow

This section assesses deep understanding of hydraulic machinery, open-channel flow analysis, and critical-flow theory.
 

Summary

The Hydraulic Engineering & Machines (BCE403) exam paper comprehensively evaluates:

Open-channel flow concepts

Uniform & critical flow

Chezy’s & Manning’s equations

Surges, energy dissipaters & channel efficiency

Flow measurement devices (Parshall flume, venturi, orifices)

Pelton, Francis & Kaplan turbines

Centrifugal & reciprocating pumps

Cavitation & NPSH

Draft tube types & theory

GVF analysis and specific energy concepts

Jet impact mechanics

Pelton wheel design calculations

This paper is a complete academic resource for civil engineering students studying fluid mechanics, hydraulic machinery, and open-channel flow systems.