The idea of dimensional analysis is a way to form a model of something when you know very little about it. You determine all of the factors that influence a system, determine the the product of variables that make up these factors (a combination of M (mass), L (length), and T (time)). Then we make these variables dimensionless by setting the exponents equal to zero, and a general model is then derived.
Challenges
So far I definitely have trouble remembering all of the steps that go into dimensional analysis. The spot that specifically slows me down is on page 298 of the Weir and Fox book (example 1) when you go from equation 8.3 to 8.4. I don't always remember how to set up the exponents.
Reflections
I am amazed how this technique gives accurate general laws so easily and with so little information. From a physical sciences stand point these laws seem much more intricate and harder to derive.
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