About this previous year paper
This document is the B.Tech Semester III Theory Examination Question Paper for Fluid Mechanics & Fluid Machines (FMFM), Subject Code KME302, conducted by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University (AKTU) for the exam year 2020–2021. The paper carries a total of 100 marks and the exam duration is 3 hours. It is designed to test a student’s conceptual understanding, analytical skills, mathematical application, and problem-solving ability related to fluid behavior, fluid statics, fluid dynamics, turbines, pumps, and hydraulic machines.
The question paper is clearly structured into seven sections, each assessing different topics from the syllabus. It includes both short conceptual questions and long numerical/theory questions, offering a balanced assessment pattern.
Section A – Short & Fundamental Concepts (10 × 2 = 20 Marks)
This section contains ten brief questions, each for 2 marks, checking the student’s understanding of basic fluid mechanics definitions and properties.
Topics include:
Viscosity and its units
Compressibility in relation to bulk modulus
Stability of floating bodies using metacenter (M) & center of gravity (G)
Froude number and Weber number
Average velocity location in laminar pipe flow
Difference between laminar, turbulent, and transient flow
Equipotential lines
Eulerian vs. Lagrangian approach
Percentage work saved by air vessels
Purpose of priming in a centrifugal pump
Section B – Long Questions (Attempt Any Three, 10 Marks Each)
This section includes five questions from which students must attempt any three.
The questions cover:
Velocity distribution and shear stress in a pipe
Derivation of continuity equation for steady, incompressible flow in Cartesian coordinates
Streamlines, equipotential lines, flow net, and their orthogonal relationship
Kaplan turbine design calculations (runner diameter, speed, specific speed)
Specific speed of a centrifugal pump and its derivation
These questions require clear steps, formulas, diagrams, and mathematical solutions.
Section C – Venturimeter & Pipeline Problems (10 Marks)
Students choose one of two questions:
Venturimeter: working principle and derivation for discharge
Pipeline water conduction numerical involving reservoir, nozzle velocity (60 m/s), jet diameter (20 cm), power of jet, and friction losses
These problems test analytical and derivational ability.
Section D – Flow Field Analysis & Supersonic Plane Force Relationship (10 Marks)
Options include:
Evaluating velocity & acceleration at a point in a 2D incompressible flow
Checking physical possibility of flow and deriving stream function
Dimensional analysis to express resisting force on a supersonic aircraft in terms of length, velocity, viscosity, density, and bulk modulus
This section focuses on advanced mathematical analysis in fluid mechanics.
Section E – Boundary Layer Characteristics (10 Marks)
Students choose one:
Finding displacement thickness, momentum thickness, and shape factor of a boundary layer velocity profile
Explaining boundary layer separation phenomenon
This section tests understanding of external flow behavior and boundary layer theory.
Section F – Hydraulic Turbines (10 Marks)
Students choose one:
Pelton turbine numerical involving RPM, water flow rate, head, hydraulic efficiency, jet deflection, runner diameter, etc.
Working of Francis turbine with neat sketch
This section checks understanding of impulse and reaction turbines.
Section G – Reciprocating Pump & Pump Phenomena (10 Marks)
Final section includes:
Reciprocating pump numerical: theoretical discharge, coefficient of discharge, slip, and percentage slip
Explanation of volute casing, diffuser, and cavitation in centrifugal pumps
These questions test knowledge of pump mechanisms and operating characteristics.
Overall Summary of the Document
This AKTU FMFM question paper provides a comprehensive assessment of:
Fluid properties
Fluid statics & kinematics
Continuity, momentum, and energy equations
Boundary layer theory
Pipe flow dynamics
Dimensional analysis
Hydraulic turbines (Pelton, Francis, Kaplan)
Reciprocating and centrifugal pumps
Flow measurement devices (Venturimeter)
The paper uses a mix of definition-based, theoretical, diagram-based, and numerical questions to evaluate a student’s full understanding of fluid mechanics and hydraulic machines.