About this previous year paper
This question paper belongs to the B.Tech Semester III examination for the subject Fluid Mechanics & Fluid Machines (KME302).
It carries 100 marks with a duration of 3 hours, and it evaluates the student’s understanding of core fluid mechanics principles, flow kinematics, boundary-layer concepts, dimensional analysis, turbines, pumps, and hydro-machinery.
The paper is divided into three structured sections — A, B, and C, progressing from basic definitions to analytical problems and full-length engineering derivations.
SECTION A – Short Conceptual Questions (20 Marks)
Section A contains 10 short questions, each for 2 marks, checking basic definitions and fundamentals:
Ideal fluid
Capillary rise
Froude number
Reynolds number significance
Eddy viscosity
Laminar sub-layer
Unit power of turbine
Role of penstock in hydropower plant
Definition of a pump
Slip of reciprocating pump
These questions assess conceptual clarity in basic fluid properties, flow behaviour, and machinery components.
SECTION B – Analytical & Numerical Questions (30 Marks)
Students must attempt any three out of five (each 10 marks). Key topics include:
Flow measurement using Venturimeter with differential manometer
Velocity potential → velocity components + corresponding stream function
Derivation of energy thickness (boundary layer)
Governing mechanism of Pelton turbine (with sketch)
Ideal indicator diagram and effect of friction in suction/delivery pipes
This section evaluates calculation ability, derivation skills, and understanding of flow measurement & turbine behavior.
SECTION C – Long Engineering Problems & Derivations (50 Marks)
This section has five major questions, each containing two alternatives. Students must attempt one part from each.
Q3 – Viscosity / Notch & Weir
Effect of temperature on viscosity with reasoning
OR computing discharge coefficient for a right-angled notch experiment
Q4 – Dimensional Analysis / Continuity Equation
Using Buckingham’s Π-theorem to derive expression for resistance on submerged body
OR deriving 3-D continuity equation
Q5 – Flow Systems / Aero Forces on Kite
Siphon, pipes in series, total energy line
OR calculating lift and drag coefficients for a kite using given aerodynamic data
Q6 – Turbine Unit Quantities / Jet Impact Problem
Derivation of unit discharge & unit speed of turbine
OR thrust, power, and efficiency of a jet striking a moving curved vane
Q7 – Centrifugal Pump / Reciprocating Pump
Derivation of specific speed & minimum starting speed of a centrifugal pump
OR classification of reciprocating pump + proof that work done ∝ indicator diagram area
This section tests high-level fluid engineering understanding, mechanical reasoning, derivations, and turbine/pump applications.
OVERALL SUMMARY
The Fluid Mechanics & Fluid Machines (KME302) question paper comprehensively covers:
Fluid properties & flow characteristics
Dimensional analysis & flow measurement
Boundary layer concepts
Turbines (Pelton, reaction turbines)
Centrifugal & reciprocating pumps
Jet impact, siphons, pipes, energy lines
Continuity equation & velocity potential
Lift & drag on submerged/immersed bodies
It balances definitions, derivations, numerical problems, and engineering-oriented applications, making it a complete and thorough evaluation tool for mechanical engineering students.