The Evaluation, Manipulation and Identification of Nondimensional Numbers
Abstract
This report describes a computer program which evaluates, manipulates and identifies nondimensional numbers (Pi terms, dimensionless numbers or factors) generated using the Buckingham Pi Theorem. Computations are performed using SYMBOLANG, an algebraic (symbol) manipulation package (solutions are kept in symbolic form). Manipulation occurs in two ways. First, many allowable combinations of pi terms (up to 720) are generated by changing the ordering of the dimensional equations which are solved. Second, a small group of operators (squaring, square-rooting, cube-rooting, reciprocating, and division by both the minimum and maximum exponent) are applied to each solution (these too are solutions and also kept in symbolic form). Numerical substitution into the symbolic forms produce scalars (evaluated solutions) for subsequent use (plotting, regression, factor analysis, etc.). Finally, every symbolic solution is compared with well-known nondimensional numbers (e.g., Reynold's, Weber's, etc.). If a match is found, this information is displayed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA057694
Entities
People
- Morton A. Hirschberg
Organizations
- Ballistic Research Laboratory