Re: [Boost-users] Flow rate dimensional analysis

Subject: Re: [Boost-users] Flow rate dimensional analysis
From: Michael Powell (mwpowellnm_at_[hidden])
Date: 2011-09-19 14:12:18

On Mon, Sep 19, 2011 at 12:10 PM, Michael Powell <mwpowellnm_at_[hidden]>wrote:

> Boost::units users,
>
> I am trying to perform a flow rate through an orifice calculation (Volume
> per Time or L^3T^-1) using the following dimensional analysis:
>
> Q = Cf * A * sqrt( 2 * abs(P1-P2) )
>

I should clarify, this should be ... Q = Cf * A * sqrt( 2 * abs(P1-P2) / MD
)

Sorry bout that. The dimensional analysis does indeed work out, however,
when you include MassDensity...

> On paper the dimensional analysis works out correctly. I know we should be
> receiving a L^3T^-1 consequent to the calculation.
>
> If I just take this on one line, it seems to compile:
>
>  __C_flow * __a_orifice * boost::units::sqrt(__two * __p_diff / __d);
>
> Where __a_orifice is the area of the orifice, __p_diff is the pressure
> differential (absolute value), and __d is the mass density. __C_flow
> (coefficient of flow through orifice) and __two (2.0) are both
> dimensionless.
>
> In terms of units quantities, these are all defined as quantity<si::area>,
> quantity<si::pressure>, quantity<si::mass_density>, and
> quantity<si::dimensionless>, to start with.
>
> I think my flow-rate dimension and/or unit must be incorrect, but I am
> failing to see why in order to know what to do to correct the error.
>
>  typedef
> boost::units::derived_dimension<boost::units::length_base_dimension,3
>
> ,boost::units::time_base_dimension,-1>::type flow_rate_dimension;
>
>  typedef
> boost::units::unit<cs::units::flow_rate_dimension,boost::units::si::system>
> flow_rate;
>
> When I take:
>
> si::flow_rate __fr = __C_flow * __a_orifice * boost::units::sqrt(__two *
> __p_diff / __d);
>
> I am receiving the following compiler error as my clue...
>
> Error    1    error C2440: 'initializing' : cannot convert from
> 'boost::units::quantity<Unit,Y>' to 'boost::units::quantity<Unit,Y>'
> c:\Source\Simulations\CS.Calculations.Managed\Calculators\Calculator.cpp
> 461    CS.Calculations.Managed
>
> I'd like to set this up in as base a dimension as possible because later on
> we'll be introducing unit views, converting from base units to a view unit,
> or unit system, along these lines, but if we have to specify this in
> specific unit terms, so be it. We'll worry about unit conversions later on.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Michael Powell
>