About Fluid Mechanics and Machinery (PCMET303)
Fluid Mechanics and Machinery (PCMET303) is a third-semester course in the KTU B.Tech 2024 scheme for Mechanical Engineering. It carries 4 credits (L:T:P:R = 3:1:0:0) and has no prerequisites. The course aims to build fundamental knowledge of basic fluid mechanics and its simple applications, and to familiarise students with the relevance of turbo machines and the engineering problems associated with them.
Syllabus
- Module 1: Properties of fluids (specific gravity, specific weight, specific volume, dynamic and kinematic viscosity), types of fluids, Newton's law of viscosity, pressure measurement (piezometer, simple and differential manometers), fluid statics, hydrostatic force on plane and inclined surfaces, centre of pressure, buoyancy, metacentre, and stability of immersed and floating bodies.
- Module 2: Fluid kinematics (types of flow, material derivative, streamlines, path lines and streak lines, stream function and velocity potential function, flow net) and fluid dynamics (continuity, Euler's and Bernoulli's equations, Pitot tube, orifice meter, venturi meter, rectangular and triangular notches).
- Module 3: Pipe flow (laminar and turbulent flow, Reynolds number, Hagen-Poiseuille, Darcy-Weisbach and Chezy's equations, Moody's chart, major and minor losses, hydraulic gradient and total energy line), Navier-Stokes equation, dimensional analysis using Buckingham's ฯ theorem, and boundary layer theory including separation.
- Module 4: Impact of jets on fixed and moving flat plates and curved vanes, velocity triangles, classification of turbines and pumps, Pelton, Francis and Kaplan turbines, centrifugal pumps (priming and cavitation), and reciprocating pumps (slip, negative slip, work required and efficiency).
Exam pattern
The end-semester exam is for 60 marks and the duration is 2 hours 30 minutes. Continuous internal evaluation (CIE) carries 40 marks. Part A has short-answer questions of 3 marks each, and Part B has longer questions covering the four modules.
Study tips
This subject mixes theory with numericals, so practise problems regularly. Focus on manometer and hydrostatic force problems in Module 1, Bernoulli's equation and flow measuring devices in Module 2, and pipe losses in Module 3. In Module 4, learn the working principle, diagrams and efficiencies of each turbine and pump. Solve previous year question papers to see how questions are framed.
Notes and resources
Find module-wise notes, solved problems, previous year question papers and the syllabus for PCMET303 below. Use them together with your class notes for best results.