Dimensional Analysis and Experimentation
Dimensionsanalyse und Experiment
6 CPWinterEN
Prerequisites
Recommended, as written
Basics of analysis and fluid dynamics
Contents
• Numbers and units • Dimensions and variables • Dimensional analysis • Similarity and intelligent experimentation • Nondimensionalisation of equations • Self-similarity and power laws • Models of fluid mechanics
Learning outcomes
Goal is to use dimensional analysis to bring together the results of experiments and theory/computations in a concise but exact form. Moreover we will show that many phenomena in nature, engineering or society exhibit the remarkable property of self-similarity. In the lecture we highlight the tight connection between dimensional analysis and scaling laws. The latter is a powerful concept of understanding experimental data of fluid mechanics.
Assessment
Prerequisite: • two tests for exercise (ungraded) until 10th lecture week Final Module Examination: • Written exam, 90 minutes
Literature (2)
- Book "Dimension analysis and intelligent experimentation" von A.C. Palmer
- Book "Scaling" von G.I. Barenblatt
Remarks
No offer in winter semester 2026/27!
Source: BTU's module description · retrieved 18 Oct 2026Original