15.2.7. Geometric Similarity

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define geometric similarity in your own words.

   Hint

   Think about what it means to replicate shape and size.

2. 2.

   What is a prototype?

   Hint

   Consider what you are trying to replicate with models.

3. 3.

   What defines geometric similarity?

   • All linear dimensions of models should match the prototype
   • Models are randomly scaled
   • Only some dimensions are considered

   Hint

   Think about replication of the size and shape.

4. 4.

   True or False: The discharge in a model should be greater than the prototype discharge.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider what happens as you scale down.

5. 5.

   Design a model for a prototype bridge that is 300 meters long, 30 meters high, and 10 meters wide. If the model is to be built at a scale of 1:50, what will the model's dimensions be?

   Hint

   Remember to divide each dimension of the prototype by 50.

6. 6.

   Evaluate how a model of a storm surge barrier that is scaled down by the ratio of 1:200 could influence an engineer’s decisions before constructing the full-scale barrier.

   Hint

   Consider what valuable information can be gathered through physical observation of the model.