Experiments
Our apparatus consists of a tomato juice can with the top
removed, and a hole near the bottom. With this can, a scale,
and a timing device, we can measure the coefficients of
discharge and velocity, and from them the coefficient of
contraction, for the orifice. In this small-scale experiment, the
influence of surface tension, adhesion and capillarity will be
greater than for most practical cases. Nevertheless, we shall
obtain very instructive results at small expense and in little time.
The first experiment, to measure Cd, is performed by measuring the time required for the container to
empty between levels h1 and h2 through the orifice. To find the rate at which the level h decreases, we
equate the rate at which fluid is leaving the reservoir to the discharge of the orifice: A cdh/dt = -
CdAo√2gh, or dh/dt = -Kh1/2, where K = √(2g)Cd(Ao/Ac), or dh/h1/2 = -Kdt. Ac is the area of the cross-section
of the can. Integrating and substituting the limits, we find 2(√h 1 - √h2) = KT, where T is the time required.
The corrugations in the can make convenient reference points for the liquid level. For my experiment,
Ao = 0.09932 cm2, Ac = 84.95 cm2, h1 = 10.5 cm, and h2 = 1.5 cm. Using these numbers, K = 0.0518C d, and
the difference in the square roots of the heights is 2.239, so T = 86.53/C d seconds. The time was
measured with my HP-48G calculator as 126.3 s. The result was C d = 0.685.
The second experiment measures Cv. Water was allowed to run from the tap into the reservoir, keeping
h constant at 16 cm. The height of the orifice was y = 10.0 cm, and the horizontal distance was 22.8 cm.
Since x = vt and y = gt2/2, v = x√(g/2y). From this equation, V = 160 cm/s. By Torricelli's theorem, V i =
√(2gh) = 177 cm/s. Therefore, the coefficient of velocity was C v = 160/177 = 0.90. Finally, the coefficient
of contraction was 0.685/0.90 = 0.76. These figures are quite reasonable, if somewhat different from
those for larger scales. Orifices are considered small if they have diameters less than 2.5 in and heads
less that 3 ft, so these experiments are indeed small-scale, where effects that can be neglected on larger
scales may play a role. These effects generally act to increase the coefficient of contraction, so our value
is not out of line.
Other experiments and demonstrations suggest themselves. The discharge coefficient could also be
found by keeping the head constant and measuring the water discharged in a known time interval.
Orifices at different heights could be made to flow simultaneously, demonstrating the increase in
velocity with head. Three holes would be appropriate. They should not be in the same vertical line, so
that each jet would be independent. A square orifice could be considered. Care should be taken to make
the orifice as accurate as possible. A short tube could be soldered at the hole. In particular, a Borda's
mouthpiece, which is a short tube of length about equal to the radius of the orifice that projects into the
reservoir. The ideal coefficient of contraction for a Borda's mouthpiece is 0.5. Flow separation should
occur at the inner edge. These suggestions would require a little more preparation, but the experiments
would still be very inexpensive and easy.
OBJECTIVE:
(i) To determine the hydraulic coefficients, coefficient of discharge (C d) coefficient velocity ( Cv) and
coefficient contraction (Cc) of the given orifice fitted on a tank.
(ii) To draw the graph Cd vs Hw.
EQUIPMENT:
a) The given orifice plate fitted on a tank size 0.3 m x 0.3 m x 1.0 m, provided with piezometer and scale
arrangement with zero of the coinciding with the centre of the Orifices & Mouthpieces with overflow
outlet and drain plug and with provision for fixing interchangeable Orifice & Mouthpiece.
b) A measuring tank size 0.5 m x 0.5 m x 0.6 m, arranged with to overflow arrangement and provided
with gauge glass, scale arrangement and a drain valve.
c) A scale and sliding apparatus to measure the X and Y co-ordinates of the jet suitable hook gauge &
Horizontal scale are mounted on the supply tank for convenience of handling.
d) Stop Watch.
BASICS :
Water is allowed to flow through the orifice keeping the head constant by adjusting the inlet valve. The
actual discharge Qa is determined using the measuring tank.
Co-efficient of discharge
Actual discharge
Where
a – Area of measuring tank in cm2
h – Height differences in piezo meter in cm.
t – Time to collect water for a height difference of h cm, measured in
seconds
Theoretical discharge
Where
Qa – Actual discharge = Ax h / t
a – Area of the measuring tank.
H – Rise of water level (say10cm) in meters.
T – Time in seconds for raise of water level.
D – Diameter of the orifice
A – Area of the Orifice (or Mouthpiece) = ? / 4 d 2
H – Height of liquid above the centre of the Orifice (or Mouthpiece).
Coefficient of discharge
Co-efficient of Velocity
X = Horizontal co-ordinate of the jet at the measuring point
Y = Vertical co-ordinate of the jet at the measuring point
H = Height of liquid above the centre of the Orifices.
Co-efficient of contraction
Cc = Cd / Cv
PROCEDURE:
i. Open the inlet valve and maintain the head constant ( at supply tank ) over the orifice.
ii. Allow water to flow through the orifice and note the maximum head over the orifice that permits the
water jet to flow into the measuring tank. Divide this head to approximately 7 steps of readings.
iii. Regulate the inlet valve to obtain a constant head H w over the orifice and note the time taken for
collecting water to a height ‘h’ in the measuring tank.
iv. Note X1 and Y1 co-ordinates using the pointer gauge at the centre of vena contracta (taken as 0.5 time
the diameter outside the orifice opening).
v. Measure the X2 and Y2 coordinates at any point on the centre of the jet, preferably at the farthest
point.
vi. Adjust the head over the orifice and repeat the experiment.
RESULTS:
INFERENCE:
lab exercise coefficient discharge contraction velocity constant head
