UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN KIMIA FLUIDS AND THERMODYNAMICS

(CHE 486)

GROUP MEMBERS : MUHAMMAD AMIN BIN SUBRI (2016250296)

AZIDORA BINTI AZMAN (2016250174)
NUR AISYAH BINTI MUSTAFA KAMAL (2016669248)
SHAHIRAH BINTI SHAMSUL KAMAR (2016250176)
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EXPERIMENT :FREE AND FORCED VORTEX
DATE PERFORMED :27 SEPT 2017
SEMESTER :3
PROGRAMME :EH220
GROUP :3G

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 Conclusion 10
11 Recommendations 5
12 Appendices 5
13 References 5
TOTAL MARKS 100

Remarks:
Checked by:
Date:
ABSTRACT

Vortex is the rotation of fluid element around an axis line which is it can be in straight or
curved. The concept was being applied in various type of industry which are turbine design
and creating standard safety against natural disaster. There were a few objectives to be
fulfilled in this experiment, divided to forced and free vortex. For forced vortex, the
experiment was carried out to determine the surface profile and the velocity of the vortex.
Meanwhile for free vortex, the objective is to investigate the physical phenomena of the
vortex. Theoretically, Free vortex flow occurs when there is no external torque required to
rotate the fluid whereas forced vortex flow is the type of vortex flow that requires some
external torque to rotate the fluid mass. From the result for free vortex,it can concluded that
the larger the diameter of the orifices, the larger the vortex that will be produced whereas
forced vortex the height of water surface level is relative to the lowest point of the surface of
a forced vortex flow was directly proportional to the angular velocity of a rotating liquid in a
cylindrical tank and is inversely proportional to the squared radius at which it was measured.

INTRODUCTION

In fluid dynamics, a vortex is define as region in fluid whereas the flow is rotate
around an axis line, it can be in straight or curved. The plural of vortex is knowns as vortices
or vortexes. Vortices can be formed in stirred fluids, and may be observed in phenomena
such as smoke rings, whirlpools in the wake of boat, or the winds surrounding a tornado.

Basically ,there are two types of motion translation and rotation. These two may
exist independently or simultaneously. If an element is represented, it may be subjected to
deformation which can be linear or angular. If the motion of the particles is purely
translational and the distortion is symmetrical, the flow will be irrotational and the vorticity.
Vortex also has two basic type which are free vortex and forced vortex. The free vortex is
known as potential vortex whereas forced vortex is known as flywheel vortex. Rotation of a
fluid moving as a solid, about an axis is called forced vortex motion. Every particle of fluid
will have same angular velocity. Free vortex motion is each particle moves in a circular path
with speed varying inversely as the distance from the centre.

In an industry, the applications of the vortex flow can be used in many ways such as
turbine design, natural phenomenon and in creating safety against natural disaster. the
discover of the experiment are very important to help the engineers to designand create a
good turbine as the flow of water through the runner of turbine is a good example that used
the principle of forced vortex flow. It also can help engineer in designing a good technology
in minimizing the effect of natural disaster such as tornado and hurricane. Furthermore, the
knowledge gain from this experiment will help students to apply the correct concept in a real
situation related to vortex flow as they already experienced it.

The specific hydraulic model we used for this experiment is SOLTEQ Free and
Forced Vortex (Model: FM42) has been used. This SOLTEQ Free and Forced Vortex (model
FM42) has been designed for this experiments to produce and measure free and forced
vortices. It consists of a clear acrylic cylinder where the free vortex is generated by water
discharging through an interchangeable orifice in the base of the cylinder. The resulting
profile is then measured using a combined caliper and depth scale. The forced vortex is
induced by a paddle rotated by jets of water at the cylinder base.

The characterisitic of the forced vortex is then determined using a series of depth
gauges. Velocity at any point in the free or forced vortex may be measured using the
appropriate pitot tube supplied.

OBJECTIVES

There were a few objectives to be fulfilled in this experiment, divided to forced and
free vortex. For forced vortex, the experiment was carried out to determine the surface profile
and the velocity of the vortex. Meanwhile for free vortex, the objective is to investigate the
physical phenomena of the vortex.

THEORY

Vortex flow can be defined as the flow of a rotating mass of fluid or the flow of a
fluid along a curved path. Typically, fluid circulates around the vortex, as the vortex is
approached the speed increases and pressure decreases (Monika, n.d.). There are two types
of vortex flow, free and forced vortex flow. Free vortex flow occurs when there is no external
torque required to rotate the fluid. While forced vortex flow is the type of vortex flow that
requires some external torque to rotate the fluid mass.

Free Vortex

A free vortex does not need the application of external energy in the flow field.
Therefore, it is impossible to create or destroy the vortex motion. The velocity if the fluid
would be constant with time and the flow pattern might be permanent. An example of a free
vortex is a whirlpool in the river.

In this flow, the conservation of angular momentum causes the fluid mass to rotate.
Velocity profile is inversely proportional to the radius. In easier words, as the fluid
approaches the center of the vortex, the fluid will circulate faster. The inner streamline have
shorter distance to travel to complete the ring.
 Based on vortex profile for all diameter orifices and gradient of the graph can be
calculated using:

2 1
=
2 2

Where;

X = pressure head / depth of pitot tube

g = gravitational acceleration

r = radius

Based on velocity that can be calculated from the Pitot tube reading and the radius
profile:

= (2)0.5

Where,

V = velocity

g = gravitational acceleration

H = Pitot tube difference

Thus theoretically, the velocity can be calculated by using the equation below:

=

Forced Vortex

In forced vortex, the speed and rate of rotation is the greatest at the center and
decreases as it goes away from the center. An example of forced vortex is rotating cylinder
and flow inside the centrifugal pump.

The forced vortex flow can be created by adding paddle in the fluid. There should be
concentric circles for the streamline and the total energy along a streamline will be constant.
The equation for forced vortex is:

2 2
= 0 =
2
Where,

h = initial (non-rotating) surface height of the fluid

h0 = height on the axis

= angular velocity, (radian/second)

r = radius of the cylinder

g = gravitational acceleration
APPARATUS

SOLTEQ Free and Forced Vortex Model FM42

Profile measuring gauge

Orifices
Paddle

Pitot tube
PROCEDURE

General Start-up procedure

1. Study bench was placed on top of the hydraulic bench

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

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

Experiment 1: Free Vortex

1. General start up procedures were performed.

2. A 24mm diameter orifice was placed at the base of the cylinder tank.
3. The output valve was closed then the 3-way valve inlet was adjusted to let water flow
into the tank from two pipes with diameter of 12.5mm. The water could flow through
the orifice.
4. The pump was switched on. The control valve on the hydraulic bench was opened
slowly until the limit of the tank. The control valve was adjusted to maintain the water
level.
5. Once the water level was stable, the vortex diameter was measured for several planes
using the profile measuring gauge in order to collect the vortex profile.
6. Profile measuring gauge was pushed down until both sharp ends touched the surface
of the water surface.
7. Measurement of height, h (from the top of the profile measuring gauge to the bridge)
and value of a (distance from bridge to the surface of the water level) were recorded.
8. The velocity was measured using the Pitot tube by sinking it into the water at the
depth of 5mm from water surface. Depth of Pitot tube in water, H was measured.
9. Step 3-8 were repeated for orifices with diameter of 16mm and 12mm.
10. The coordinates of vortex profile for all diameter of orifice were plotted in graph and
the gradient of the graph was calculated using:
2 1
=
2 2
Where X is the pressure head / depth of the Pitot tube
11. Graph of velocity that was calculated from the Pitot tube reading was plotted against
radius of the profile.
= (2)0.5
Theoretically, the velocity can be calculated by using the equation below:

=

Experiment 2: Forced Vortex

1. The general start up procedures were performed.

2. At the base of the cylindrical tank, a closed pump with two pedals was placed.
3. The output valve was closed then the 3-way valve inlet was adjusted to let water flow
into the tank from two pipes with diameter of 9.0mm. The water could flow through
the other two pipes with diameter 12.5mm.
4. The hose was raised to above the water level in the tank to ensure that the water flow
out from the tank with siphon effect.
5. Before letting water to flow into the sump tank in the hydraulic bench, it was made
sure that the outlet hose is filled with water.
6. The angular speed of the pedals was measured by counting the number of circles in 60
seconds.
7. The surface probe was pushed until the sharp point touches the water surface.
8. The measured height, h0 (from the 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 2
= 0 +
2

The experimental profile and calculated profile were compared.

 RESULTS

Experiment 1 : Free vortex

Table 1 : data obtained for 12 mm,16 mm,24 mm orifice diameter

Pressure Distance
Diamete Diamete Measure Pitot Head/ from Radius r2 1/r2
r of r at d height, Tube Depth of bridge ,r (mm2) Velocity
orifice center, h (mm) Head the pitot to water (mm) ,V
(mm) D (mm) Differe tube, X surface, (mm/s)
nce, H (mm) a (mm)
(mm)
12 36 93 5 15 222 18 324 3.09 x 10-3 313.21

16 44 88 5 20 222 22 484 2.07 x 10-3 313.21

24 49 85 5 23 222 24.5 600.25 1.67 x 10-3 313.21

Pressure head vs 1/r2

25
y = 4x + 11.333

20
pressure head, X (mm)

15

10

0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5
1/r^2

Figure 1 : graph of pressure head vs 1/r2

Table 2 : differences between actual and theoretical velocity for difference orifice diameter

Diameter of Diameter at Radius,r (mm) Actual velocity Theoretical

orifice (mm) centre,D (mm) (mm/s) velocity
(mm/s)
12 36 18 313.21 15.56
16 44 22 313.21 12.73
24 49 24.5 313.21 11.43

velocity against radius

350
300
velocity (mm/s)

250
200
150
100
50
0
18 22 24.5
radius (mm)

actual velocity theoretical velocity

Figure 2 : graph of velocity against radius for orifice diameters

Experiment 2: Forced Vortex

Distance ho (mm)
from
centre 1st 2nd 3rd
(mm) measured theoretical Measured theoretical measured theoretical

0 55 55 78 78 53 53

30 56 56.58 81 81.51 54 54.58

70 58 61.17 82 84.80 56 59.17

110 65 72.82 86 92.92 59 66.82

No of
revolutions
34 32 34
in 60s

Angular
Velocity
3.56 3.35 3.56
(rad/s)

LPM 9.79 10.01 10.32

 Height from top of measuring gauge to bridge against
distance from centre
80
70 y = 0.1596x + 53.015
60
y = 0.088x + 53.88
height, ho

50
40
30
20
10
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
distance from centre (mm)
measured theoretical

Figure 3: graph of vortex profile for 1st trial

Height from top of measuring gauge to bridge against

distance from centre
94
92 y = 0.1306x + 77.451
90
88
height, ho

86
84
82 y = 0.0673x + 78.218
80
78
76
0 20 40 60 80 100 120

Measured
distance grom centre (mm) theoretical

Figure 4 : graph of vortex profile for 2nd trial

 Height from top of measuring gauge to bridge against
distance from centre
80

y = 0.1261x + 51.771
60
y = 0.0545x + 52.636
heght, ho

40

20

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
distance from centre (mm)
measured theoretical

Figure 5 : graph of vortex profile for 3rd trial

SAMPLE CALCULATIONS

PART 1 : Free vortex

Orifice diameter = 12 mm ,

Distance from bridge to water surface, a = 222 mm

At D = 36 mm and h = 93 mm,

Pressure head, X = 330 a h = 330 222 93 = 15 mm

m mm mm
Velocity, V = 2 = 2 9.81 2 1000 5 mm = 313.21
s m s

1 1 1
= = 3.09 x 10-3
2 362 mm2
From the graph of pressure head against 1/r2 ,

Gradient = 4 mm3

Equation :

2
= 4 mm3
2

m mm mm2
K = 4 mm3 x 2 x 9.81 x 1000 = 280.14
s2 m s

At D= 36 mm , r = 18 mm

mm2
280.14 mm
s
Theoretical velocity, V = = = 15.56
18 mm s

Orifice diameter = 16 mm

Distance from bridge to water surface, a = 222 mm

At D = 44 mm and h = 88 mm,

Pressure head, X = 330 a h = 330 222 88 = 20 mm

m mm mm
Velocity, V = 2 = 2 9.81 s2 1000 m 5 mm = 313.21
s

1 1 1
= = 2.07 x 10-3
2 222 mm2
From the graph of pressure head against 1/r2 ,

Gradient = 4 mm3

Equation :

2
= 4 mm3
2

m mm mm2
K = 4 mm3 x 2 x 9.81 x 1000 = 280.14
s2 m s

At D= 44 mm , r = 22 mm

mm2
280.14 mm
s
Theoretical velocity, V = = = 12.73
22 mm s

Orifice diameter = 24 mm

Distance from bridge to water surface, a = 222 mm

At D = 49 mm and h = 85 mm,

Pressure head, X = 330 a h = 330 222 85 = 23 mm

m mm mm
Velocity, V = 2 = 2 9.81 s2 1000 m 5 mm = 313.21
s

1 1 1
= = 1.67 x 10-3
2 24.52 mm2
From the graph of pressure head against 1/r2 ,

Gradient = 4 mm3

Equation :

2
= 4 mm3
2

m mm mm2
K = 4 mm3 x 2 x 9.81 x 1000 = 280.14
s2 m s

At D= 49 mm , r = 24.5 mm

mm2
280.14 mm
s
Theoretical velocity, V = = = 11.43
24.5 mm s

PART 2 : Forced vortex

Using data from 1st trial :

no.of revolution
Angular velocity = 2 x
60 s

34
=2x = 3.56
60

Height from top of measuring gauge to bridge :

2 2 3.562
h= h0 + r = 56 + 2(9.811000) 302 = 56.58 mm
2

2 3.562
h= h0 + 2 r2 = 58 + 2(9.811000) 702 = 61.17 mm

2 3.562
h= h0 + 2 r2 = 65 + 2(9.811000) 1102 =72.82 mm
Using data from 2nd trial :

no.of revolution
Angular velocity = 2 x
60 s

32
=2x = 3.35
60

Height from top of measuring gauge to bridge :

2 2 3.352
h= h0 + r = 81 + 2(9.811000) 302 = 81.51 mm
2

2 3.352
h= h0 + 2 r2 = 82 + 2(9.811000) 702 = 84.80 mm

2 3.352
h= h0 + 2 r2 = 86 + 2(9.811000) 1102 = 92.92 mm

Using data from 3rd trial :

no.of revolution
Angular velocity = 2 x
60 s

34
=2x = 3.56
60

Height from top of measuring gauge to bridge :

2 2 3.562
h= h0 + r = 54 + 2(9.811000) 302 = 54.58 mm
2

2 3.562
h= h0 + 2 r2 = 56 + 2(9.811000) 702 = 59.17 mm

2 3.562
h= h0 + 2 r2 = 59 + 2(9.811000) 1102 = 66.82 mm
DISCUSSION

In this experiment, we have two objectives which is to investigate the physical phenomena
associated with a free vortex that is their velocity. While the second objective is to determine
the surface profile of a forced vortex that gives us the angular velocity. What is mean by free
vortex and forced vortex? Free vortex is when no external torque is required to rotate the
fluid mass while forced vortex is the type of vortex flow in which some external torque is
required to rotate the fluid mass.

For determining the velocity of the free vortex, we were using three orifices with different
diameters that is 12mm, 16mm and 24mm. Water enters the cylindrical vessel through two
12mm diameter inlet tube which is opposite to each other. These causes the formation of free
vortex. And the water exits the vessel via the orifice that fitted into the base of the vessel.
Started with 12mm orifice, we observed the diameter of the vortex at the center (D) and
measured the height of the measuring gauge from the bridge(h). From the results that we
collected for these three orifices, we can see the pattern whereby the larger the diameter of
the orifices, the larger the vortex that will be produced. Next, we determined the head
difference(H) by using pitot tube. From this value, we were able to calculate the pressure
head by using the formula:

X(mm) = 330mm - h - a

For the comparison between radius and velocity, we found out that there is an error in our
experiment. The theoritical value of the velocity should be decresing as the diameter of
orifices increasing.[1] However, the value of velocity that we obtained were greatly higher
than the theoritical value and the value are the same for all orifices. This is related to the
value of head difference, H that we obtained earlier in this experiment. We came out with the
conclusion that there is a systematic error with the pitot tube that we used.

The second part of this experiment is to determine the angular velocity of forced vortex from
the surface profile. In this part, we were using a paddle to rotate the water. Water enters
through the 9mm inlet tubes, which were angled at 60 degrees to creates a vortex. The flows
from this inlet tubes impact on a paddle which act as a stirrer. The water exits through the
control valve via the 12mm orifices. For the first trial, we measured the height from the top of
the measuring gauge to the bridge at various distance from the center. In the first trial, the
height that we collected for 0mm, 30mm, 70mm and 110mm were 55mm, 56mm, 58mm and
65mm respectively. The value that we obtained were almost accurate to the theoritical value.
We can conclude that the data obtained were accepted. It is the same for the second and third
trial. Besides, the angular velocity that we calculated for first, second and third trial were
constant between 3.35 rad/s and 3.56 rad/s. Finally, the slope of the curve increases as
angular velocity increase due to the stream function formed in forced vortex is parabolic in
nature.

CONCLUSION

As a conclusion, we managed to investigate the objectives of this experiment that is to

determine the velocity and angular velocity for free vortex and forced vortex respectively,
based on their surface profile. However, there is a systematic error happened on the first part
of the experiment where we want to determine the velocity of the free vortex flow. The pitot
tube that we were using are not working properly causing the value of the head differences
were all the same for various diameter of orifices. The value of velocity that we calculated
were higher than the theoritical value. But there is no error occured in the second part of the
experiment. The angular velocity of the forced vortex were almost the same as theoritical
value. The data were accepted.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on our experience handling this experiment, we recommend that the next groups to
collect at least 2 data for every diameter of orifices so that they can compare the value and
able to get an accurate data. Besides, before starting an experiment, students have to make
sure that all the materials and apparatus are working properly. This is a precaution step so
that students will not obtained the data with any error.
APPENDICES
REFERENCES

Jarman, D. (2017). An introduction to vortex flows - theoretical hydrodynamic vortex

behaviour
Advanced Grit Management. Advancedgritmanagement.com. Retrieved 3 October
2017, from http://www.advancedgritmanagement.com/resource/introduction-vortex-
flows-theoretical-hydrodynamic-vortex-behaviour

Musa, S. (2017). Free & Force Vortex (Full Lab Report) | Vortices | Continuum Mechanics.
Scribd
Retrieved 3 October 2017, from https://www.scribd.com/document/333003387/Free-
ForceVortex-Full-Lab-Report

Free and Forced Vortex flow with Examples (2014). Retrieved October 2, 2017, from
http://mechanicsoffluids.blogspot.my/2014/12/free-and-forced-vortex-flow-
with.html?m=1

Monika, N. (n.d.). Vortex Dynamics. Retrieved October 2, 2017, from www.math.unm.edu

D.J Dunn, Fluid Mechanics, Potential Flow. Retrieved from

http://www.freestudy.co.uk/fluid%20mechanics/t5203.pdf

E. Brennen, An internet Book of Fluid Dynamics-The Free Vortex. Retrieved from

http://brennen.caltech.edu/fluidbook/basicfluiddynamics/potentialflow/singularities/fr
eevortex.pdf