Jahanzaib Faraz 22-CH-29 6-3-24

Experiment No. 06
Title:
Free and Forced Vortex Apparatus.
Objective:
To determine the surface profile of free and forced vortex.

Free and Forced Vortex Apparatus

Apparatus:
 Hydraulic Bench
 Free and Forced Vortex Apparatus
 Stopwatch (to determine the time for rotation speed of the paddle)

Reagents:
 Water

Theory:
Fluid mechanics is a branch of physics that deals with the behavior of fluids when they
are in motion or at rest. One of the fascinating phenomena in fluid mechanics is the formation of
vortices. A vortex is a swirling motion of a fluid, usually formed when fluid moves past an

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obstacle or when an external force is applied. Vortices are commonly observed in nature, such as
in whirlpools, tornadoes, and even in the wake of a moving vehicle.
Free Vortex: A free vortex is a flow pattern where the fluid particles rotate about a
center without any external force applied. The rotation occurs solely due to the conservation of
angular momentum. Free vortices are typically formed naturally when fluid flows through an
opening, such as the drainage of a sink or a whirlpool in a river. The swirling motion originates
from the initial angular momentum of the fluid particles. In a free vortex, the fluid particles move
in concentric circles around a central axis. The velocity of the fluid decreases as the radius
increases due to the conservation of angular momentum. Free vortices are inherently stable since
they are formed by the natural flow characteristics of the fluid. The rotation tends to remain
steady and undisturbed unless external forces disrupt the flow.
Forced Vortex: A forced vortex, on the other hand, is a flow pattern where the rotation
of fluid particles is forced by an external agency, such as a propeller or an impeller. Forced
vortices are deliberately created by applying an external force to the fluid. This force can be
generated by mechanisms like pumps, propellers, or turbines. In a forced vortex, the fluid
particles follow a spiral path towards the center. The velocity of the fluid particles can be
uniform or varying, depending on the design and function of the external force. Forced vortices
can be stable or unstable, depending on the operating conditions and the control mechanisms in
place. The stability can be influenced by factors like flow rate, fluid viscosity, and external
disturbances.

Applications:
 Free vortices: Free vortices are commonly observed in nature and can be used in
applications such as wastewater treatment, turbine design, and even in creating decorative
water features.
 Forced vortices: Forced vortices find applications in industries like aviation, marine
engineering, and hydraulic systems. For example, they are utilized to generate propulsion
in ships, create thrust in aircraft engines, and improve mixing efficiency in chemical
reactors.

Procedure:
Free Vertex

 Position the apparatus on the hydraulics bench so that the central outlet in the base of the
vessel is located over the weir trough.
 Adjust the feet to ensure that the apparatus is level.
 Push the orifice into the central outlet located in the base of the apparatus.
 Connect the inlet pipe of the apparatus (situated on the 3-way valve) to the hydraulics
bench outlet, using the flexible pipe provided.
 Close the apparatus outlet globe valve, and position the 3-way valve so that water flows
into the vessel.
 Close the bench outlet valve, and turn on the pump.

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 Gradually open the bench valve, and allow the vessel to fill with water until water begins
to overflow through the cutouts.
 After the vessel is slightly overflowing, slowly open the outlet valve so that the water
level maintains a stable height. Note that you can also adjust the bench valve to maintain
a constant water level.
 After a constant water level has been achieved, measure the water surface profile, by
adjusting the measuring caliper to a desired radius, and then lower it into the vortex until
the needles evenly touch the walls of the vortex. At this point, record the height.
 After completing your measurements, close the bench valve, turn off the pump, drain the
apparatus, and repeat the process for the remaining two orifices.

Forced Vortex

 Position the bushed plug into the outlet of the vessel and mount the two-blade paddle
wheel on the shaft, ensuring that the tapered edges of the blades angle upward.
 Adjust the 3-way valve so that water flows into the vessel via the outlet ports. Turn on the
pump, open the bench control valve, and allow the vessel to fill with water until water
just begins to overflow through the cutouts. Note that the inlet may need to be adjusted in
order to achieve a low-profiled, calm vortex. Water will now flow through these ports
and impinge on the paddle wheel before flowing out of the apparatus.
 After the vessel is filled with water, adjust the outlet valve so that the water level remains
stable.
 After the water level is stable, measure the vortex surface profile. This is done by
mounting the measuring bridge to the vessel, and then lowering the needles until they are
touching the profile of the vortex. Lock them in place, then remove the bridge, and
measure the height of each needle.
 Record the time that it takes for the paddles to make 10 revolutions in the vessel. You can
find the angular velocity of the flow by dividing the number of revolutions by the time.
 Increase the inflow rate to achieve higher angular velocity, and repeat the process so that
you have four distinct vortex profiles. Note that as you increase the inflow, you will need
to adjust the outlet flow to maintain the water level.

Precautions:
 Ensure proper working of Residual current circuit breaker (RCCB)
 Wear laboratory coats and closed shoes in laboratory premises
 Ensure proper working of miniature circuit breakers (MCB)
 Do not start the hydraulic bench without supply water

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Observation and Calculation:

Surface profile of a free vortex (left) and a forced vortex (right)

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
rotation.
v = k/r
where k is the constant.
The equation governing the surface profile is derive from Bernoulli’s theorem:
(v2 / 2g) + z = C
Thus;
(k2 / r22g) + z = C
Which is the equation to a hyperbola curve which is asymptotic to the axis of rotation and to the
horizontal through z = C.

No. of
Diameter of Orifice Diameter of Tornado Height
Observation
(m) (m) (m)

1. 25*10-3 44*10-3 14.0*10-2

2. 25*10-3 52*10-3 15.0*10-2
3. 15*10-3 30*10-3 14.0*10-2
4. 15*10-3 38*10-3 18.2*10-2

Forced Vortex
For a constant speed of rotation, ω

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v=r*ω
Where; r = radius of cylinder
v = velocity of flow at radius r.
If the horizontal plane passing through the nadir (lowest point) of the vortex is taken as datum,
theory shows that;
h = ho + (v2 / 2g)
h = ho + (r2ω2/ 2g)
Which is the equation of parabola.
Taking h as datum (i.e. h = 0), the theoretical height (hth) of a vortex surface corresponding to a
radius ‘r’ from the axis at a constant angular velocity ‘ω’ can be expressed as;
hth = (r2ω2/ 2g)
hth = (r2 (2πN/t)2 / 2g)
Where N is the rotational speed of rotating fluid (revolution/sec, rps) Thus, the theoretical height
(zth) of a vortex surface relative to the actual measurement obtained from the experiment is;
zth = zo – hth
Where zo is the measured height of a vortex surface at the axis (i.e. r = 0).

Forced Measured Height

Tim Calculated
Number of Revolutions Vortex Radius Needle from
e Height
Revolutions per sec at r length Datum
t zth
N rps (N/t) height (m) hm ho
(s) (m)
(m) (m) (m)

0.110 13.1*10-2 7.69 7.691

0.090 13.5*10-2 7.40 7.42
14.8*10- 0.070 15.2*10-2 6.66 6.68
10 8 1.25 2
0.050 15.8*10-2 6.32 6.35
0.030 14.9*10-2 6.71 6.73
0.000 14.3*10-2 6.90 7.1
0.110 10.2*10-2 9.799 9.80
0.090 11.6*10-2 8.620 8.62
17.4*10-
10 9.2 1.09 2 0.070 12.6*10-2 7.940 7.94
0.050 13.0*10-2 7.690 7.69
0.030 12.4*10-2 8.060 8.06

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0.000 11.0*10-2 9.090 9.09

Discussion and Results:

In this experiment, we investigated the surface profiles of free and forced vortices using a
vortex apparatus. We obtained values for surface heights that closely aligned with theoretical
predictions. For free vortex, we observed a concave surface profile that indicates the inward
spiraling motion of a vortex. Similarly, in the case of forced vortex, where an external force was
applied to induce rotation, thus we noticed convex surface profile. This showed an outward
spiraling motion of vortex.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, our experiment on the surface profile of free and forced vortices yielded
results having close agreement with the theoretical predictions. Furthermore, this knowledge can
be applied to various engineering and scientific domains, from aero-dynamics to oceanography,
facilitating better designs in fluid systems.

Reference:
 https://delorenzoglobal.com/blog_post/fluid-mechanics-what-are-the-
difference-between-free-and-forced-vortices?Lang=En.

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