About this previous year paper
This document contains the complete B.Tech Semester III – Theory Examination 2017–18 question paper for Fluid Mechanics (RCE-303). The paper spans two printed pages, carries 70 marks, and thoroughly evaluates a student's understanding of fluid properties, hydrostatics, kinematics, dynamics, boundary layers, flow measurement, dimensional analysis, and applied fluid-flow problems.
Section A – Short Conceptual Questions (14 Marks)
Section A consists of seven brief questions that test fundamental concepts of fluid mechanics. Topics include:
Definitions of cohesion and adhesion
Explanation of gauge pressure, vacuum pressure, and absolute pressure with sketches
Difference between Eulerian and Lagrangian approaches
Understanding rotational vs. irrotational flow
Purpose of a Pitot-static tube
Meaning of shape factor in boundary-layer theory
Concepts of drag and lift
This section evaluates the student’s foundational knowledge of fluid behavior and essential fluid properties.
Section B – Analytical & Application-Based Questions (21 Marks)
This section requires students to attempt any three out of five questions. These involve derivations, numerical evaluations, and conceptual explanations:
U-tube manometer level difference for liquids of different specific gravities
Derivation of the continuity equation for incompressible, steady, irrotational flow
Discussion of major and minor losses in pipe flow
Calculation of displacement thickness and momentum thickness from given velocity profile
Explanation of the Magnus effect, with practical application
These questions assess a student’s ability to apply fluid mechanics principles to mathematical and real-world engineering scenarios.
Section C – Long Answer Problems (35 Marks)
Students must attempt one part from each question group, covering advanced topics, numerical problems, and design-related questions.
1. Buoyancy & Stability
Conditions of stability for floating and submerged bodies with sketches
Total pressure and center of pressure on an immersed circular plate
2. Fluid Kinematics & Flow Rate
Acceleration of a fluid particle from a given velocity field
Velocities in branching pipes using continuity equation
3. Flow Measurement Devices
Working and derivation of Venturimeter discharge equation
Discharge through a trapezoidal notch with given coefficients
4. Boundary Layer Theory
Boundary layer thickness at transition point & plate end for oil flow
Concept and sketch of boundary-layer separation
5. Dimensional Analysis & Aerodynamic Forces
Drag, lift, and resultant force on a square plate moving in air
Dimensional analysis to derive discharge equation for a triangular notch, involving:
central angle (α)
head (H)
gravitational acceleration (g)
density (ρ), viscosity (µ), and surface tension (σ)
This section measures the student's command over design, analysis, and evaluation of fluid-flow systems.
Summary
This Fluid Mechanics (RCE-303) exam paper comprehensively assesses the student's capabilities in:
Fluid properties & pressure measurement
Hydrostatics and buoyancy
Kinematics and dynamics of fluid flow
Pipe flow losses & boundary layer behavior
Velocity fields & continuity
Flow measurement devices
Dimensional analysis
Drag, lift, and forces in moving fluids
It is a complete academic resource for civil/mechanical engineering students studying fundamental and applied fluid mechanics concepts.