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UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN KIMIA
THERMOFLUIDS LABORATORY
(CGE 536)
EXPERIMENT
DATE PERFORMED
SEMESTER
PROGRAMME/CODE
GROUP

: FREE AND FORCED VORTEX

: 10/10/2016
:3
: THERMOFLUIDS LABORATORY / CGE536
: EH2433A

NAMA
ADIL RAHMAN BIN NOR AZMI
NABILA BINTI ALI
MOHAMAD FAIZ BIN MOHAMAD AMIN
JACQUINN ALIZCIA AK JAMES KETEK
no.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13

Title
abstract/summary
Introduction
aims/objectives
Theory
Apparatus
procedures
Result
calculations
Discussion
conclusions
recommendations
References
appendices
Total
Remarks :
Checked by:

NO PELAJAR
2015229828
2015430214
2015204908
2015218104
allocated marks %
5
5
5
5
5
10
10
10
20
10
5
5
5
100

Marks

Tables of
TABLE

Content
Summary
Introduction
Objectives
Theory
Apparatus/ Materials
Procedure
Result
Discussions
Conclusions
Reference
Appendices

CONTENT

Pages

Content:
OF

ABSTRACT
This experiment was carried out to study the free and force vortex. The objectives for
the free vortex experiment are to study the relationship between the surface profile
and speed. Meanwhile, for the force vortex experiment, are to find the relationship
between the surface profile and total head. Vortex is the rotation of fluid elements
around a common centre. The concept of this experiment was being used in various
types of industry such as turbine design and in creating standard safety against
natural disaster. The angular velocity of the fluid was manipulated by adjusting the
control valve to provide different flow rate of fluid flow. The height of the vortex profile
was measured when it maintained constantly at its maximum height. Furthermore,
when the angular velocity of the fluid in the cylinder increases, the depth of each
pointer at the different vortex radius will also increases due to formation of semiparabolic shape. Thus, it was concluded that the height of water surface level
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.

INTRODUCTION
Analysis of fluid flow is often accomplished by simplifying assumptions with respect
to the kinematics of the flow, by assuming simplified patterns of fluid motion as
represented by streamlines. Vortex motion is a basic flow pattern, it is defined as
motion in circular paths. There are two types of vortices distinguished in the
dynamics of the motion and the resulting velocity distributions. These are forced and
free vortices.
The forced vortex is caused by external forces on the fluid such as the impeller of a
pump. In a forced vortex motion, the fluid mass is made to rotate by means of some
external source of power, which exerts a constant torque on the fluid mass and,
therefore, the fluid mass rotates with a constant angular velocity. For example, a
vertical cylinder containing liquid and rotating around its central axis with a constant
angular velocity flow through the impeller of a centrifugal pump.
In the free vortex motion, the fluid mass rotates without any external force. It rotates
either by internal action or due to some rotation previously imported to it. For
example, flow through an opening at the bottom of a shallow vessel such as
washbasin or a bathtub, flow around a bend, whirlpools, or tornadoes.
In this experiment, a forced vortex is created by a rotating plate filled with blades
while free vortex is created by only a rotating plate.

OBJECTIVES
Experiment 1 : Free Vortex

TO STUDY THE SURFACE PROFILE AND SPEED.

TO FIND A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SURFACE PROFILE AND SPEED.

Experiment 2 : Forced vortex

TO STUDY THE SURFACE PROFILE AND ANGULAR VELOCITY.

TO FIND A RELATION BETWEEN THE SURFACE PROFILE AND TOTAL HEAD.

THEORY

A vortex is the rotation of fluid elements of fluid elements around a common center.
According to Rajput (2010), the vortex motion is defined as a motion in which the whole
fluid mass rotates about an axis and the mass of fluid in rotation about a fixed axis is called
vortex. The examples of a vortex are the atmospheric phenomenon of a whirlwind, a tornado
or dust devil and also a vortex formed when water goes down a drain such as in a sink.There
are two types of vortex flow which are forced vortex flow and free vortex flow.
According to Webber (1971), the free vortex essential characteristic in ideal fluid that it does
not require the application of external energy for continuance and forced vortex is produced
and maintained by application of external forces. This experiment is only focusing on forced
vortex flow. In a forced vortex, fluid circles around a centre, while in a free vortex the
medium spirals toward the centre. The speed and rate of rotation of rotation of the fluid are
greatest at the centre, and decrease progressively with distance from the centre.
The example of forced vortex motion are that of a vertical cylinder containing liquid rotated
about its central axis with constant angular velocity, the flow of liquid inside the impeller of a
centrifugal pump and flow of water through the runner of a turbine. This experiment is a
theory about the forced vortex, flow surface shape of forced vortex and the angular velocity
of a rotating liquid in a cylindrical tank.

APPARATUS
1. SOLTEQ Free and Forced Vortex
2.Depth gauge
3. Ruler

4. Stopwatch

PROCEDURE
Experiment 1: Free Vortex
Procedures:
1. Performed the general start-up procedures.
2. An orifice with diameter 24mm is selected and placed on the base of cylinder tank.
3. The output valve is closed and the inlet 3-way valve is adjusted to let the water flows into the tank
from two pipes with 12.5 mm diameter. The water flow out through the orifice.
4. The pump is switched on and the control valve is open on the hydraulic bench slowly until the tank
limit. Maintain the water level by adjusting the control valve.
5.As the water level is stable, the vortex profile is collected by measuring the vortex
diameter for several planes using the profile measuring gauge.
6. The profile measuring gauge is 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) is recorded. The value of a (distance from the bridge to the surface of the water level (bottom
level of the cutout)) is obtained.
8. The pitot tube is used to measure the velocity by sinking it into the water at the depth of 5mm from
the water surface. Measure the depth of the pitot tube in the water, H.
9. Repeat step 3 - 8 for another three orifice with diameter 12mm, 16mm and
8mm respectively.
10. Plot the coordinates of vortex profile for all diameter of orifice in graph and
calculate the gradient of graph as shown below:

X=
Where X is the pressure head / depth of the pitot tube.
11. Plot graph of velocity which is calculated from the pitot tube reading versus the
radius of the profile.
V = (2gH) 0.5

Experiment 2: Forced Vortex

Procedures:
1. Perform the general start-up procedures.
2. A closed pump is placed with two pedals on the base of the cylinder tank.
3. The output valve is closed and adjusted the inlet 3-way valve to let the water flows into the tank from
two pipes with 9.0 mm diameter. The water can flow out through
another two pipes with 12.5mm diameter.
4. Make sure 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. Make sure the outlet hose is fill with water before letting the water to flow into the

sump tank in the hydraulic bench

6. The angular speed of the pedals is measured by counting the number of circles in a certain time.
7. The surface probe is pushed down until the sharp point touch the water surface.
8. Record the measured height, h0 (from top of the measuring gauge to bridge).
9. Repeat step 4 - 8 with different volumetric flow rate.
10. Plot the coordinates of vortex profile for different angular velocity.
11. Plot the calculated vortex profile in the same graph as they relate as

h = h0 + r2

RESULTS
Experiment 1: Free Vortex

Diameter at
Centre, D
(mm)

Measure
d
Height,
h (mm)

Pitot
Tube
Head
Differen
ce, H

Pressure
Head /
Depth of
the Pitot
Tube, X

r (mm)

r
(mm)

1/r
(1/mm)

(mm)

(mm)

24

63

0.9

252

12

144

0.0069

16

54

1.2

247

64

0.0156

12

69

0.8

248

36

0.0278

73

0.9

246

16

0.0625

Experiment 2: Forced Vortex

Distance from
Centre(mm)

ho (cm)
1st

2nd

3rd

45

75

30

54

76

70

4.1

56

79

1100

49

58

81

No of revolutions in 60s

34

35

37

Angular Velocity(rad/s)

4.08

3.67

3.35

X-Y Equilibrium
0.07
0.06
0.05
0.04

Pressure Head, X (mm) 0.03

0.02
0.01
0
245

246

247

248

249

1/R (1/mm)

Gradient of the graph = 4250 mm3

=4250
Therefore, K = 289 mm2/s
V

K
r

289
12

= 24.083 mm/s

As a result,
r(mm)
12

Calculated
Velocity (mm/s)
24.083

36.125

48.167

250

251

252

253

72.250

80
70
60
50

Velocity (mm/s)

40
30
20
10
0
3

10

Radius (mm)

Figure 1 Velocity against Radius

11

12

13

Experiment 2: Forced Vortex

Distance from
Centre(mm)

ho (cm)
1st

2nd

3rd

45

75

30

54

76

70

4.1

56

79

1100

49

58

81

No of revolutions in 60s

34

35

37

Angular Velocity(rad/s)

3.56

3.67

3.88

Calculation
For the 1rd volumetric flow rate:
Number of revolutions in 60 seconds: 34

2(3.142) 34
60

= 3.56 rad / s

h=

h0

w2 2
r
2g

3.56 2
30 2
2(9.81)(1000)

= 44.76mm (calculated)
Calculated value :

Distance from
Centre(mm)

h (mm)
1st

2nd

3rd

45

75

30

3.581

54.616

76.689

70

7.267

59.356

82.750

110

56.820

66.287

90.261

No of revolutions in 60s

34

35

37

Angular Velocity(rad/s)

3.56

3.67

3.88

Force Vortex 1st

60
50
40

Distance from centre (mm)

Exp1

30

Exponential (Exp1)
Exponential (Exp1)

20

Calc1
Exponential (Calc1)

10
0
0

30

70

110

Height from top of the surface probe to the bridge (mm)

Free Vortex 2nd

70
60
50
40
Distance from centre (mm)

Exp2
Exponential (Exp2)

30

Exponential (Exp2)

20

Calc2
Exponential (Calc2)

10
0
0

30

70

110

Height from top of the surface probe to the bridge (mm)

Free Vortex 3rd

100
90
80
70
60
Distance from centre (mm)

Exp3

50

Exponential (Exp3)

40

Exponential (Exp3)

30

Calc3

20

Exponential (Calc3)

10
0
0

30

70

110

Height from top of the surface probe to the bridge (mm)

DISCUSSION
For experiment 1 which is free vortex, it is needed to calculate the velocity of water
using different orifice which is 24mm, 16mm, 12mm, and 8mm that is influenced by the
radius of the water profile. For experiment 1 it can conclude that the velocity of the water
increased as the radius of water profile decreased. The gradient calculated was 4250mm 3 and
the value of K was 289 mm2/s. For water profile with radius of 12 mm the calculated velocity
value is 24.083mm/s. For 8mm the calculated velocity value is 36.125 mm/s. For water
profile with radius 6mm the calculated velocity value is 48.17mm/s and the lowest water
profile with radius of 4mm the calculated velocity is 72.25mm/s. The calculation is based on
the graph plotted using the equation V=K/r
For experiment 2 which is force vortex, it is needed to obtain the surface profile and
the total head distribution in a forced vortex flow and compare with theoretical values. H o was
recorded and measured by taking 0 mm, 30 mm, 70 mm and 110 mm diameter at the centre.
For first trial, Ho was 3 mm distance taken from centre 0 mm, 3 mm distance taken from
centre 30 mm, 4.1 mm distance taken from centre 70 mm, and 49 mm distance taken from
centre 110mm. The number of revolution counted for 60 seconds is 34 times, while the
angular velocity is 3.56 rad/s. The h calculated for the first trial are 3 mm, 7.267 mm, 49.15
and 56.820 mm for 0 mm, 30 mm, 70 mm and 110 mm respectively.
For second trial, Ho was 45mm distance taken from centre 0 mm, 54 mm distance
taken from centre 30 mm, 56 mm distance taken from centre 70 mm and 58 mm distance
taken from centre 110 mm. The number of revolution is counted 35 times in 60 seconds while

the angular velocity is 3.67 rad/s. The h calculated value was 45 mm, 54.616 mm, 59.356 mm
and 66.287 mm for 0 mm 30 mm, 70 mm and 110 mm distance from centre respectively.
For third trial, Ho was 75 mm distance taken from centre 0 mm, 76 mm distance taken
from centre 30 mm, 79 mm distance taken from centre 70 mm and 81 mm distance taken
from centre 110 mm. The number of revolution is counted 38 times in 60 seconds while the
angular velocity is 3.88 rad/s. The h calculated value was 75 mm, 76.689 mm, 82.750 mm
and 90.26 mm for 0 mm 30 mm, 70 mm and 100 mm distance from centre respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
From experiment 1, based on the result recorded, it can conclude that the velocity of
the water increased as the radius of water profile decreased. It can be proved by water profile
with radius 12mm the calculated velocity value is 24.083 mm/s. For lowest water profile the
calculated velocity value is 72.25 mm/s. The theory was proved. This theory is also valid for
other orifice diameter.
For experiment 2, this experiments needs to obtain the surface profile and the total
head distribution in a forced vortex flow and compare with theoretical value. It can be
conclude that the height of vortex profile increased as the diameter from centre increased.
Next, according to the theory, the value of angular velocity should constant for every trial but
we get increased value of angular velocity. This may due to maintain the water level that flow
into the container which we must keep it constant to avoid increased and decreased of
impeller rotation per 60 seconds.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

The Apparatus that we use must be free from any dust

Clean water should be used
Oiling and greasing of the parts should be done at regular intervals
Take readings if the water is already in steady state
The eyes must be parallel with the rulers reading scale in order to avoid parallax error
while taking the height, h.
6. Water valve must be controlled in order to obtain a stable water level as water level
decreases over time if the valve stayed at the same opening
7. Make sure the experiment conducted in three different water levels.
8. Set a mark before recording on how many lap does the paddle can make in a minute
so that the reading is accurate as a complete lap can be detected when the paddle with
the white mark passes through a fixed point.

REFERENCES
1.
Fluid Mechanics laboratory , (2014)
http://www.uet.edu.pk/faculties/facultiesinfo/chemical/Labs/FluidMechanics.pdf
2.

Wikipedia, (2014), Vortex, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vortex

3.
Pattison, M.J. (no date), Vortices
http://www.thermopedia.com/content/1248/?tid=104&sn=1159
4. Theory of a Vortex - Explore with Fouzan.(n.d.). Retrieved April 5, 2015, from
http://fouzan.weebly.com/theory-of-a-vortex.html

APPENDICES

The apparatus SOLTEQ Free and Forced Vortex (Model: FM42) used in this experiment

Measuring the vortex diameter for several planes using the profile