BuckinghamPy: A Python software for dimensional analysis

Abstract

The Buckingham Pi (Π) theorem is useful in determining the dimensionless terms that describe a physical phenomenon. The number of these terms grows with the number of variables. The traditional approach in identifying dimensionless quantities for a given system can be tedious and error-prone. BuckinghamPy is a Python software that automates the traditional approach to generate all possible sets of dimensionless groups in format. In this article, we discuss the math behind the approach used, and then we validate the software using multiple examples. BuckinghamPy serves as a helpful tool for experimentalists and engineers for both educational and research purposes.

Keywords

• Buckingham Π theorem
• Dimensional analysis
• Dimensionless terms
• Python