About this previous year paper
HYDRAULICS & HYDRAULIC MACHINES – B.Tech (Semester IV), RCE-401
This is a 3-hour, 70-mark theory examination designed to assess engineering students on the core principles of open-channel flow, uniform & varied flow, hydraulic jumps, pumps, turbines, cavitation, and hydraulic forces.
The paper is divided into three structured sections testing both conceptual understanding and numerical problem-solving ability.
SECTION A — Short Answer Questions (2 × 7 = 14 Marks)
This section covers 7 brief, fundamental questions to test basic hydraulic concepts.
Topics include:
Manning’s constant & Chezy’s constant relationship GVF (Gradually Varied Flow) & RVF (Rapid Varied Flow)
Flow profile classifications Most economical vs most efficient channels
Velocity distribution in channels Speed ratio, flow ratio & jet ratio
Specific speed ranges of Kaplan, Francis & Pelton turbines
This section checks definitions, basic formulas, and conceptual clarity.
SECTION B — Descriptive Questions (7 × 3 = 21 Marks)
Students must attempt any 3 out of 5.
This section requires diagrams, derivations, and numerical applications.
Topics include:
Draft tube: definition, types, and sketch Most efficient trapezoidal channel – derivation
Finding economical channel dimensions (numerical) Specific energy concept & critical flow derivation
Single-stage vs multi-stage pumps
This section evaluates applied hydraulics and problem-solving.
SECTION C — Long Answer Questions (7 marks each)
Each question offers choice (a or b) and involves deeper analysis, calculations, or diagrams.
Major topics include:
Q3 – Pumps (Centrifugal & Reciprocating)
Centrifugal pump velocity triangles, vane angles, power & efficiency (numerical)
Working principle & diagram of reciprocating pump
Q4 – Open Channel Flow
Hydraulic jump depth derivation
GVF depth computation using Manning’s equation
Q5 – Hydraulic Forces & Spillway Flow
Discharge formula derivation for spillways
Jet impact on plates (numerical)
Q6 – Cavitation & Channel Flow
Cavitation: causes, effects & prevention in turbines
Trapezoidal channel discharge calculation
Q7 – Flow Profiles & Similitude
GVF profiles on steep and critical slopes
Model/prototype scaling of fluid flow using viscosity similarity
This section tests analytical ability, engineering reasoning, and conceptual depth.
OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE EXAM
This question paper evaluates a student’s ability to:
Apply open-channel flow principles
Understand GVF, RVF, energy-depth relationships & hydraulic jumps
Analyze pump and turbine working with performance parameters
Calculate flow parameters using Manning, Chezy & energy equations
Understand cavitation & hydraulic design challenges
Apply fluid mechanics to real engineering systems
It ensures students gain strong, practical knowledge of hydraulics and hydraulic machinery, essential for civil engineering applications.