Engr Help

Symbolic Solutions

Key Concept: Values of pressures (p), shear stress (τ), dimensions such as depths (z) and

angles (θ), kinematic variables such as velocity (v), acceleration (a) as well as fluid properties

such as the value of density (ρ), specific weight (γ), dynamic viscosity (μ), kinematic

viscosity (ν) are typically provided as input information in assigned problems. You are then

asked to find some result such as a flow rate (Q).

A preferred approach is to use symbols rather than their values as you step

through your solution. This approach has two distinct benefits.

Benefits of using Symbolic Solutions

Benefit 1

As you proceed through your solution you can check the

dimensions of each term to verify that at each stage of the

solution your results check dimensionally. If they do, then

your calculations are possibly correct. If not, then you have

an error somewhere and you should review the steps leading

up to your result.

Benefit 2

When you arrive at your final result you can investigate the influence

of each variable or parameter on the unknown being calculated.

Also for on-line, assigned problems, the values of input variables

may change. So your symbolic solution will be valid for any set of input data. You can simply enter the latest set of input data to arrive

at your answer.