(SEM IV) THEORY EXAMINATION 2017-18 HYDRAULICS & HYDRSULIC MACHINES

B.Tech – Semester IV | Total Marks: 70 | Time: 3 Hours

This question paper tests a student’s understanding of open channel flow, hydraulic jumps, gradually varied flow (GVF), pump and turbine performance, surge analysis, and hydraulic machinery design. It is divided into three sections — short concepts, medium-level analytical questions, and long numerical/derivation-based problems.

SECTION A — Short Conceptual Questions (2 × 7 = 14 Marks)

This section contains 7 brief questions based on basic definitions, formulas, and introductory concepts in hydraulics.

It includes:

Types of flow                                                           Manning’s equation-based discharge

Velocity contours in open-channel flow                 Backwater curve

Types of surges                                                       Assumptions in velocity triangles

Main parts of Kaplan turbine      
                                                                                                           
These questions test basic theoretical understanding.
 

SECTION B — Medium-Length Descriptive Questions (7 × 3 = 21 Marks)

Attempt ANY 3 out of 5.

This section asks for:

Uniform flow → critical depth conditions (numerical)     Froude number & specific energy relation

Proof: Most efficient trapezoidal section = half regular hexagon

Derivation of GVF profile equation for horizontal channel

NPHS of centrifugal pump and its link with cavitation

These questions test derivations, analytical reasoning, and hydraulic theory.
 

SECTION C — Long Numerical / Derivation Questions (7 marks each)

Each question has two alternatives (a or b).
This section focuses on full numericals, turbine design, energy dissipation, GVF theory, scaling laws, and hydraulic machinery performance.

Q3 – Channel Design / Correction Factors

Design the most efficient cross-section for rectangular, trapezoidal, semicircular channels
OR

Define kinetic energy & momentum correction factors with formula

Q4 – GVF Profiles / Flow Transition

Show that dh/dx is positive for S1, M3, S3 profiles
OR

Define transitions between subcritical and supercritical flow + diagram

Q5 – Hydraulic Jump / Surge Relation

Hydraulic jump design for 5 m energy loss at Froude 8.5
OR

Derive velocity–depth relation for a positive surge

Q6 – Pump Similarity / Cavitation

Pump model–prototype relation (speed, power, discharge ratio)
OR

Define cavitation + precautions against cavitation

Q7 – Pelton Wheel Design / Efficiencies

Pelton wheel design: wheel diameter, number of jets, jet diameter
OR

Different types of turbine efficiencies

These questions test problem-solving, theoretical depth, machinery design, and hydraulic analysis.
 

OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE EXAM

This paper checks a student's ability to:

Apply open channel flow theory using Manning’s and energy equations

Analyze GVF, surges, hydraulic jump, and critical flow conditions

Understand hydraulic turbines (Pelton, Kaplan) and centrifugal pump performance

Solve design numericals for pump scaling, turbine sizing, and channel optimization

Derive hydraulic equations and interpret flow profiles

Understand cavitation, NPHS, velocity triangles, discharge calculations

It combines conceptual knowledge, mathematical derivations, and practical design skills essential for civil & mechanical engineering.