About this previous year paper
This question paper is designed to evaluate a student’s understanding of Fluid Mechanics, covering fundamental principles, analytical concepts, and practical engineering applications. The paper carries 100 marks and is divided into three structured sections to assess conceptual clarity, numerical ability, and problem-solving skills.
SECTION A – Short Answer Conceptual Questions (20 Marks)
This section tests foundational knowledge in fluid mechanics through ten short questions. Students are required to briefly explain essential concepts such as:
Temperature effect on viscosity
Density vs. specific volume
Laminar & turbulent flow
Reynolds number and steady vs. unsteady flow
Water hammer, cavitation, turbine classification, pump slip
Specific speed of turbines
This section ensures that the student understands the basic definitions and physical behaviour of fluids.
SECTION B – Descriptive / Analytical Questions (30 Marks)
Students must attempt any three out of five questions. These require detailed explanations, derivations, and understanding of engineering applications:
Topics include:
Newton's law of viscosity, capillarity, notches & weirs
Types of flows (uniform, 1D/2D/3D, compressible/incompressible)
Boundary layer separation and control
Derivation of hydraulic efficiency of Pelton turbine
Working principles and specific speed of centrifugal pump
This section evaluates a student's ability to derive formulas, explain concepts structurally, and apply theory to engineering devices.
SECTION C – Long Answer / Application-Based Problems (50 Marks)
This section contains numerical and derivation-based problems that assess advanced understanding. Students must attempt one question from each of the five sub-sections:
Key problem types:
Capillary rise/depression calculations
Venturimeter discharge derivation
Velocity potential & stream function, 3D continuity equations
Major/minor losses, boundary layer, equivalent pipe, momentum & kinetic energy correction factors
Centrifugal pump starting speed, work done by reciprocating pump,
Francis turbine performance calculations involving angles, diameter, width, and efficiency
This section checks the student’s capability to apply theoretical concepts to real engineering systems, perform complex numerical computations, and demonstrate logical derivations.
Purpose of the Question Paper
This examination aims to verify whether the student can:
Understand the fundamental behaviour of fluids
Apply mathematical principles to fluid flow
Analyse performance of hydraulic turbines and pumps
Solve practical engineering problems
Interpret fluid flow phenomena and machinery operations