____________________________________________________________________________________________________

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN KIMIA
THERMOFLUIDS LAB
(CGE 536)

EXPERIMENT : FREE AND FORCED VORTEX

DATE PERFORMED : 26/10/2017
SEMESTER :3
PROGRAMME/CODE : THERMOFLUIDS LAB
(CGE 536)
GROUP : EH2433

NAME STUDENT NO
SITI NUR IZZATY BINTI NAZAR 2016691684
NURAZAM BIN RAPAIL 2016691758
RIZUAN HAKIM BIN HAMID 2016691666
NURSHAZWANI SYUHADA BINTI AL BADRI 2016691734

No Title Allocated Marks % Marks

1 Abstract/Summary 5
2 Introduction 5
3 Aims/Objectives 5
4 Theory 5
5 Apparatus 5
6 Procedures 10
7 Result 10
8 Calculations 10
9 Discussion 20
10 Conclusions 10
11 Recommendations 5
12 References 5
13 Appendices 5
TOTAL 100

remarks :
checked by :

0
TABLE OF CONTENT

Content Pages
Abstract 2

Introduction 3

Objectives 4

Theory 4-5

Apparatus/ Materials 6-7

Procedure 7-9

Result 10-18

Calculation 19-20

Discussions 20-21

Conclusions 21

Recommendations 22

References 23

Appendices 24

1
 ABSTRACT

The experiment conducted was to determine the surface profile and speed of vortex. In
addition , the relationship between the speed of vortex and the surface profile can be
determined. This experiment was divided into two experiment which are free vortex
experiment and forced vortex experiment. For free vortex experiment, different type of
orifice with different diameter (8mm, 12mm, 16mm, 24mm) was used in order to observe the
free vortex profile and the speed of free vortex. It can be observed that as the diameter of
orifice increases, the speed of the vortex decreases while the surface profile of the vortex is
bigger. In forced vortex experiment, a paddle was placed at the bottom of tank in order to
create forced vortex. It can be concluded that as the angular velocity(rotation of the paddle)
increases, the height recorded from top of measuring gauge to bridge increases.

INTRODUCTION

Vortex flow is flow of rotating mass of fluid or flow of fluid along curved path.

2
Free vortex flow
In free vortex flow ,no external torque or energy required. The fluid rotating under certain
energy previously given to them.In a free vortex mechanics, overall energy flow remains
constant. There is no energy interaction between an external source and a flow or any
dissipation of mechanical energy in the flow.Fluid mass rotates due to conservation of
angular momentum.Velocity inversely proportional to the radius.
For a free vortex flow

The free vortex flow is irrotational, and therefore, also known as the irrotational vortex.In
free vortex flow, Bernoullis equation can be applied.

Forced vortex flow

To maintain a forced vortex flow, it required a continuous supply of energy or external
torque.All fluid particles rotate at the constant angular velocity as a solid body. Therefore,
a flow of forced vortex is called as a solid body rotation.Tangential velocity is directly
proportional to the radius.
v=r
= Angular velocity.
r = Radius of fluid particle from the axis of rotation.

In forced vortex total energy per unit weight increases with an increase in radius.
Forced vortex is not irrotational; rather it is a rotational flow with constant vorticity, 2.

3
 OBJECTIVES

Experiment 1: Free Vortex

To determine the surface profile, speed of the vortex and the relationship between the surface
profile and the speed of the vortex.

Experiment 2: Forced Vortex

To determine the surface profile, angular velocity and the relationship between the surface
profile and the angular velocity.

THEORY
Free Vortex

When water flows out of a vessel through a central hole in the base, a free vortex is formed.
In a free cylindrical vortex , the velocity varies inversely to the distance from the axis of the
rotation.

V=

The equation governing the surface profiles is derived from bernoullis theorem :

+z=C

Thus,

+z=C

4
Which is the equation to a hyperbolic curve which is asymptotic to the axis of rotation and to
the horizontal through z = C

Forced Vortex

For a constant speed of rotation ,

V =

Where, r = radius
V = Velocity of flow at radius r

The speed of rotation can be obtained by dividing the number of revolution obtained from
the experiment with the time taken for the revolution. Then the speed ( ) of rotation can be
obtained.

If the horizontal plane passing through the nadir ( lowest point ) of vortex is taken as datum ,
theory shows that ,

H = +

This is the equation of the parabola.

For this experiment was assumed to be zero.

5
 APPARATUS

(1) Measuring bridge (7) Stainless steel

(2) Profile measuring gauge (8) Outlet valve closed
(3) Cylindrical vessel (9) Control valve

(4) Open valve (10) Pitot tube

(5) four inlet/ outlet cylindrical vessel (11) interchangeable Orifice
24mm,16mm,12mm & 8mm
(6) Three way inlet valve (12) Paddle

6
 Figure 1 : SOLTEQ Free and Forced Vortex, (model=FM42)

PROCEDURE

General Start-up Procedures

1. The study bench was placed on the hydraulic bench.

2. The inlet and outlet hose was set up.
3. The stand of the equipment was adjusted to reach the horizontal position.

General Shut-down Procedures

1. The valves were closed and the pump was switched off.
2. The orifices, paddle and other accessories were removed from the cylindrical vessel.

7
Experiment 1: Free Vortex

1. The general start-up procedures were performed.

2. An orifice with a diameter of 24mm was placed on the base of a cylinder tank.
3. The output valve was closed and the inlet 3-way valve was adjusted to let the water

flows into the tank from two pipes with 12.5 mm diameter. The water could flow out

through the orifice.

4. The pump was switched on and the control valve on the hydraulic bench was opened

slowly until it reached the tank limit. The water level was maintained by adjusting the

control valve.

5. The vortex profile was collected once the water level was stable by measuring the
vortex diameter for several planes by using the profile measuring gauge.
6. The profile measuring gauge was pushed down until the both of sharp point touch the

water surface.

7. The measured height, h (from the top of the profile measuring gauge to the bridge)

and the value of a (distance from the bridge to the surface of the water level (bottom

level of the cut out) were measured.

8. In order to measure the velocity, pitot tube was used by sinking it into the water at the

depth of 5 mm from the water surface. The depth of the pitot tube in the water, H was

measured.

9. Step 3-8 were repeated for another three orifices with diameter 12 mm, 16 mm and
8mm respectively.
10. The coordinates of vortex profile for all diameter of orifice was plotted in a graph the

gradient of the graph was calculated by using the formula below :

2 1
X=2 . 2

11. Graph of velocity was also plotted which was calculated from the pitot tube reading

versus the radius of the profile.

8
 V =(2)0.5

Theoretically, the velocity was calculated by using the following equation:

V=

Experiment 2: Forced Vortex

1. The general start up procedures were performed.

2. A closed pump with two pedals was placed on the base of the cylinder tank.
3. The output valve was closed and the inlet 3-way valve was adjusted to let the water

flows into the tank from two pipes with 9.0 mm diameter. The water could flow out

through another two pipes with 12.5mm diameter.

4. It was ensured that the water flow out from the tank with the siphon effect by raising

the hose to above the water level in the tank.

5. The outlet hose was filled with water before letting the water to flow into the sump

tank in the hydraulic bench.

6. The angular speed of the pedals was measured by counting the number of circles in a

certain times.

7. The surface probe was pushed down until the sharp point touch the water surface.
8. The measured height, h0 (from top of the measuring gauge to bridge) was recorded.
9. Step 4 8 were repeated with different volumetric flow rate.
10. The coordinates of vortex profile for different angular velocity was plotted.
11. The calculated vortex profile was plotted in the same graph as they relate as

2
h = 0 + 2 . 2

9
 RESULT

Part A : Free Vortex

1. Orifice diameter : 24 mm

Table 1 : Data obtained for 24 mm diameter orifice.

Distance Velocity Radius Diameter Measured Pitot Tube Pressure r^2 1/r^2
from (m/s) (mm) at Centre, Height, h Head Head / (mm^2) (1/mm^2)
bridge to D (mm) Difference, Depth of
water (mm) H (mm) the pitot
(mm) tube, x
(mm)

225 280.14 58 116 42 4 63 3364 2.97

104

200 442.94 34 68 60 10 70 1156 8.65

104

Pressure head againts 1/r^2

71
70 y = 12324x + 59.34
R = 1
69
68
67
p
66
Linear (p)
65
64
63
62
0 0.0002 0.0004 0.0006 0.0008 0.001

Table 2 : Difference between actual and theoretical value for 24 mm diameter orifice.
Radius,r (mm) Actual Velocity (mm/s) Theoretical velocity (mm/s)
58 280.14 268.1
34 442.94 457.38

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 Velocity against radius
500
450
400
350
300 Velocity Actual against
250 radius
200 Velocity Theorytical
againts radius
150
100
50
0
0 20 40 60 80

2. Orifice diameter : 16mm

Table 3: Data obtained for 16 mm diameter orifice.

Distance Velocity Radius Diameter Measured Pitot Tube Pressure r^2 1/r^2
from (m/s) (mm) at Centre, Height, h Head Head / (mm^2) (1/mm^2)
bridge to D (mm) Difference, Depth of
water (mm) H (mm) the pitot
(mm) tube, x
(mm)

225 242.61 60 120 34 3 71 3600 2.78

104

200 313.21 34.5 69 31 5 99 1190.25 8.4

104

11
 Pressure head againts 1/r^2
120

100 y = 49822x + 57.149

R = 1

80

60 p
Linear (p)
40

20

0
0 0.0002 0.0004 0.0006 0.0008 0.001

Table 4 : Difference between actual and theoretical value for 16 mm diameter orifice.
Radius,r (mm) Actual Velocity (mm/s) Theoretcal velocity (mm/s)
60 242.61 521.9
34.5 313.21 906.24

Velocity against radius

1000
900
800
700
600 Velocity Actual against
500 radius
400 Velocity Theorytical
againts radius
300
200
100
0
0 20 40 60 80

12
 3. Orifice diameter : 12 mm

Table 5 : Data obtained for 12 mm diameter orifice.

Distance Velocity Radius Diameter Measured Pitot Tube Pressure r^2 1/r^2
from (m/s) (mm) at Centre, Height, h Head Head / (mm^2) (1/mm^2)
bridge to D (mm) Difference, Depth of
water (mm) H (mm) the pitot
(mm) tube, x
(mm)

225 280.14 65 130 26 4 79 4225 2.37

104

200 313.21 36.5 73 16 5 114 1332.25 7.51

104

Pressure head againts 1/r^2

140

120 y = 77821x + 60.556

R = 1
100

80
p
60 Linear (p)

40

20

0
0 0.0002 0.0004 0.0006 0.0008

Table 6 : Difference between actual and theoretical value for 12 mm diameter orifice.
Radius,r (mm) Actual Velocity (mm/s) Theoretcal velocity (mm/s)
65 280.14 601.2
36.5 313.21 1070.55

13
 Velocity against radius
1200

1000

800
Velocity Actual against
600 radius
Velocity Theorytical
400 againts radius

200

0
0 20 40 60 80

4. Orifice diameter : 8 mm

Table 7 : Data obtained for 8 mm diameter orifice.

Distance Velocity Radius Diameter Measured Pitot Tube Pressure r^2 1/r^2
from (m/s) (mm) at Centre, Height, h Head Head / (mm^2) (1/mm^2)
bridge to D (mm) Difference, Depth of
water (mm) H (mm) the pitot
(mm) tube, x
(mm)

225 313.21 67 134 23 5 82 4489 2.23

104

200 343.1 35.5 71 18 6 112 1260.25 7.93

104

14
 Pressure head againts 1/r^2
120
y = 52632x + 70.263
100 R = 1

80

60 p
Linear (p)
40

20

0
0 0.0002 0.0004 0.0006 0.0008 0.001

Table 8 : Difference between actual and theoretical value for 24 mm diameter orifice.
Radius,r (mm) Actual Velocity (mm/s) Theoretcal velocity (mm/s)
67 313.21 479.6
35.5 343.10 905.2

Velocity against radius

1000
900
800
700
600 Velocity Actual against
500 radius
400 Velocity Theorytical
againts radius
300
200
100
0
0 20 40 60 80

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Part B : Forced Vortex

Table 9 : Data of Forced vortex experiment.

ho (mm)

Distance from
Centre (mm) 1st 2nd 3rd

Measured Theoretical Measured Theoretical Measured Theoretical

0 73 73 111 111 23 23

30 80 80.51 113 113.07 29 29.59

70 84 86.77 115 115.4 34 37.2

110 85 91.84 119 119.98 43 50.9

No of 32 30 34
revolution in
60s

Angular 3.33 1.26 3.58

Velocity
(rad/s)

16
First Trial.

Height of measuring gauge against distance from

centre
100

80

60

40

20

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120

Actual Theory

Second Trial

Height of measuring gauge against distance from

centre
122

120

118

116

114

112

110
0 20 40 60 80 100 120

Actual Theory

17
Third Trial

Height of measuring gauge against distance from

centre
60

50

40

30

20

10

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120

Actual Theory

18
 CALCULATIONS

Part A : Free Vortex

Orifice diameter = 24 mm
Distance from bridge to water surface, a = 225 mm

At D = 72 mm and h = 82 mm,
Pressure Head, X = 330-a-h-225 = 23 mm
Velocity, V = ( 2g H )0.5

1000
2 9.81 4
=

= 280.14 mm/s
1/r2 = 1/582 = 1/3364 = 2.97 x 10-4 mm-2

From the graft of pressure head against 1/r2

Gradient, 1 = 12324 mm3
2

Substitute into equation 1 = K2/2g
2

K2/2g = 12324 mm3

12324 2 9.81 1000

= = 15549.82

15549.82
== = 268.1 mm/s
58

Part B : Forced Vortex

Using the data from 1st trial:

. 32
Angular Velocity = 2 x = 2 x 60 = 3.33 rad/s
60

Height from top o measuring gauge to bridge:

19
 2 3.332
h = h0+ 2 r2 = 80 + 2 (9.81 1000) 302 = 80.51 mm

2 3.332
h = h0+ 2 r2 = 84 + 2 (9.81 1000) 702 = 86.77 mm

2 3.332
h = h0+ 2 r2 = 85 + 2 (9.81 1000) 1102 = 91.84 mm

DISCUSSION

This experiment has been conducted to determine the relationship between the surface
profile and the speed of the vortex for free vortex and the relationship between the surface
profile and the angular velocity for forced vortex. The fluid mass for the free vortex rotates
without external forced but it rotates with internal force or some rotations are imported to it.
Then, for forced vortex it rotates by a constant torque exerted by some external source onto
the fluid mass.
For the first experiment, it has been conducted to determine the relationship between
the surface profile and the speed of the vortex. We had been using the orifices with different
diameter to observe and study free vortex. Based on the result, we had obtain that all the
orifices uses shows that as the radius decrease, the velocity will increase. Since the pressure
on free surface and H is constant, so it causes a drop in the elevation. We can prove this
based on the table 1, 3, 5 and 7. Form this tables also, it shows that bigger orifices diameter
will yield greater vortex. Other than that, the gradient of head pressure against 1/r2 also
almost constant for each orifices. Then, for profile between velocity and radius, the actual
velocity and theoretical velocity supposedly give the constant reading or maybe just a slightly
difference reading. But, from our experiment it give a large different between actual and
theoretical value. So, we can say that maybe there is error and mistakes while we conducted
our experiment. The product between velocity and radius also supposedly to be constant due
to the axial vorticity component is zero.

20
 For the second experiment, it has been conducted to determine the relationship between
the surface profile and the angular velocity for the forced vortex. In this experiment, to create
the forced vortex, it involves the use of paddle at the bottom of the tank. From the graph for
first, second and third trial it shows that the slope reading of height of measuring gauge
against distance from centre for actual and theoretical value just give a bit different and we
can consider it successful. So, we can say that when the angular velocity increases, the
measuring gauge to bridge, H also increase. The slope of the curve also increase as the
velocity increase due to the stream function formed in forced vortex is parabolic in nature.

CONCLUSION

As we know, the objective of this experiment are to determine the relationship between the
velocity and the angular velocity for the free and forced vortex respectively, also based on the
vortex surface profile. From the experiment 1, we can see that when the radius of the orifice
decrease, the velocity of the vortex will be increase and bigger diameter will produced a
bigger vortex. For experiment 2, when we put an impeller or blade it will produced angular
velocity. When the angular velocity increase, the measuring gauge to bridge, h also increase.
The slope of curve also increase as the angular velocity increase. The experiment were
concluded as success even the result was quite not good but it followed the theory.

21
 RECOMMENDATIONS

There are few recommendations that can be considered while doing this experiment in order
to get more accurate result :

1. Repeat the experiment at least twice to get more accurate result, the more data we get,
we can make comparison to determine the best result that can be pointed out.

2. Error might happen while taking the time for the number of revolutions since the
paddle that created the forced to the vortex is rotated at the fast rate and this is
difficult for us to get the accurate time. It is best to get the time average.

3. The velocity of water need to be constant to get the best result so the water flow need
to be adjust and be watched for the whole experiment.

4. We must make sure that the needles touch the water surface accurately to get precise
data to be used in the further calculations.

5. It is also important to make sure that the apparatus is in the good condition. It is
because if the apparatus is it not in the good condition its will affect our result.

6. When we measure the length of the needles, use appropriate ruler such as long ruler
and try to get the average reading which is more accurate.

7. A better a computerized digital- mechanism is needed to read the revolution of paddle

associated with time which meant for more precise calculating number of revolution
of paddle in forced vortex at the exact time

22
 REFERENCES

1. Forced vortex. (n.d.). From

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/forced-vortex.430507/
2. Free and forced vortex - chemical engineering other topics - eng-tips. (n.d.).
From http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=126928
3. Theory of a vortex - explore with fouzan. (n.d.). From
http://fouzan.weebly.com/theory-of-a-vortex.html
4. Vortex - wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). From
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/vortex
5. Lab manual, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, UiTM Shah Alam
6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ml0bhxtur9I

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 APPENDICES

Figure 1 : Interchangeable Orifice, Figure 2 : free vortex

(24,16,12 and 8 mm)

FIGURE 4 : TAKING VELOCITY (PITOT TUBE)

FIGURE 3 : PROFILE MEASURING GAUGE

24