About this previous year paper
B.Tech – Semester IV | Total Marks: 70 | Time: 3 Hours
This question paper tests a student’s understanding of open channel flow, hydraulic jumps, gradually varied flow (GVF), pump and turbine performance, surge analysis, and hydraulic machinery design. It is divided into three sections — short concepts, medium-level analytical questions, and long numerical/derivation-based problems.
SECTION A — Short Conceptual Questions (2 × 7 = 14 Marks)
This section contains 7 brief questions based on basic definitions, formulas, and introductory concepts in hydraulics.
It includes:
Types of flow Manning’s equation-based discharge
Velocity contours in open-channel flow Backwater curve
Types of surges Assumptions in velocity triangles
Main parts of Kaplan turbine
These questions test basic theoretical understanding.
SECTION B — Medium-Length Descriptive Questions (7 × 3 = 21 Marks)
Attempt ANY 3 out of 5.
This section asks for:
Uniform flow → critical depth conditions (numerical) Froude number & specific energy relation
Proof: Most efficient trapezoidal section = half regular hexagon
Derivation of GVF profile equation for horizontal channel
NPHS of centrifugal pump and its link with cavitation
These questions test derivations, analytical reasoning, and hydraulic theory.
SECTION C — Long Numerical / Derivation Questions (7 marks each)
Each question has two alternatives (a or b).
This section focuses on full numericals, turbine design, energy dissipation, GVF theory, scaling laws, and hydraulic machinery performance.
Q3 – Channel Design / Correction Factors
Design the most efficient cross-section for rectangular, trapezoidal, semicircular channels
OR
Define kinetic energy & momentum correction factors with formula
Q4 – GVF Profiles / Flow Transition
Show that dh/dx is positive for S1, M3, S3 profiles
OR
Define transitions between subcritical and supercritical flow + diagram
Q5 – Hydraulic Jump / Surge Relation
Hydraulic jump design for 5 m energy loss at Froude 8.5
OR
Derive velocity–depth relation for a positive surge
Q6 – Pump Similarity / Cavitation
Pump model–prototype relation (speed, power, discharge ratio)
OR
Define cavitation + precautions against cavitation
Q7 – Pelton Wheel Design / Efficiencies
Pelton wheel design: wheel diameter, number of jets, jet diameter
OR
Different types of turbine efficiencies
These questions test problem-solving, theoretical depth, machinery design, and hydraulic analysis.
OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE EXAM
This paper checks a student's ability to:
Apply open channel flow theory using Manning’s and energy equations
Analyze GVF, surges, hydraulic jump, and critical flow conditions
Understand hydraulic turbines (Pelton, Kaplan) and centrifugal pump performance
Solve design numericals for pump scaling, turbine sizing, and channel optimization
Derive hydraulic equations and interpret flow profiles
Understand cavitation, NPHS, velocity triangles, discharge calculations
It combines conceptual knowledge, mathematical derivations, and practical design skills essential for civil & mechanical engineering.