FM-Peer Discussion - Session-2

The meeting discussed the scheduling and conduct of classes, with MSubbu confirming the timing of sessions and encouraging students to take tests to assess their understanding. Janarth and Kartikeyan were tasked with encouraging participation and addressing any questions from new students, including Pooja, who recently joined the class. The session focused on ensuring students engage with the material and seek help from senior students when needed.

Karthikeyan explained the solution approach for transport phenomena problems, focusing on the Navier-Stokes equation and its application to Poiseuille and Couette flows. He demonstrated how to derive the velocity profile equations by considering boundary conditions and simplifying terms based on problem constraints, such as steady-state flow and zero gravity effects. Karthikeyan emphasized the importance of understanding the problem's driving forces and applying appropriate equations to solve for velocity distributions.

Karthikeyan explained the solution process for a problem involving a Venturimeter, where the flow rate is directly proportional to the pressure drop, and demonstrated how to find the ratio of pressure changes when the flow rate is doubled. Janarth suggested using Bernoulli's equation to solve a related problem, and Smrti recommended calculating the friction loss using the Darcy-Weisbach equation. Karthikeyan clarified these concepts before moving on to the next problem.

Karthikeyan explained the importance of maintaining consistent units when applying the Bernoulli equation, particularly in pump-related problems. He demonstrated different forms of the equation and emphasized the need to ensure all terms are in the same unit, usually meters, to avoid incorrect results. Karthikeyan also discussed the calculation of friction losses, work done by the pump, and the conversion of units to find the power output in kilowatts. He clarified the process of converting meters to kilowatts and explained how to calculate the power done by the pump in the given scenario.

Karthikeyan led a discussion on solving problems related to terminal settling velocity, boundary layer thickness, and fluid flow, emphasizing the importance of memorizing key formulas and understanding the underlying concepts. He explained how to derive and apply equations for various scenarios, including laminar flow and incompressible fluids, and encouraged students to practice solving objective-type questions quickly. Janarth continued the session by discussing boundary layer thickness and frictional drag, reinforcing the concepts with sample problems and equations. Both instructors stressed the need for clear understanding and efficient problem-solving techniques to handle upcoming exams.

Janarth explained several questions related to fluid dynamics and heat transfer. He discussed how to solve for thickness in laminar and turbulent flows, derive the equation for terminal settling velocity of a spherical particle, and calculate voidage and pressure drop in fluidized beds. Janarth emphasized the importance of understanding the equations and being able to rearrange them to solve for unknown variables. He also addressed a student's question about using the correct density term in the terminal velocity equation.

Janarth explained the concept of Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) and how to calculate it for a centrifugal pump. He described the formula and various pressure and head conversions needed to find the required height for the pump to avoid cavitation. Janarth emphasized the importance of consistent units in calculations and offered to clarify any doubts.