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Static Dimensional Analysis

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Approximation Methods in Science and Engineering

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Abstract

Science and engineering mathematical formulas are based on proportionality, principle of superposition, and dimensional homogeneity. This chapter reviews the development of the concept of dimensions and shows how to use them in the study of physical phenomena described by mathematical equations. By studying this chapter, you will learn why and how the concept of physical dimensions have been invented and expanded, and the method of expressing the relation among physical quantities by mathematical equations. The expansion of the dimensional concept to cover the mathematical equation is the dimensional homogeneity, of which its need and use will be covered in this chapter. There are seven accepted basic dimensional quantities in engineering and science: Length [L], Mass [M], Time [T], Electric Current [I], Temperature [Θ], Amount of Substance [N], Luminous [J]. Every other physical quantity is a derived quantity whose dimension is a multiplication of the basic dimensional quantity. The classical static dimensional analysis determines the powers of the involved parameters, variables, and constants contributing in a physical equation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    Reza N. Jazar

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  1. Reza N. Jazar
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N. Jazar, R. (2020). Static Dimensional Analysis. In: Approximation Methods in Science and Engineering. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-0480-9_1

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