Faculty of Engineering and Quantity Surveying (FEQS)

MEE3221 Fluids Mechanics 2

Lab Report
Experiment: FREE AND FORCED VORTEX

Group: 2
Name ID
Lim Wei Kang I19016583
Timur Izmailov I18016378
Kugenraj I16010423
Dion I20019576
Lam Guo Zheng I17012913

Program : BMEI
Course Code : MEE3221
Session : 1K1
Lecturer : DR. PROF.ASSOC KENG HOO CHUAH
Date Conducted :18th Feb 2022
Date Submitted :24th Feb 2022
 Table of Contents
I. Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 3

Objectives .............................................................................................................................. 4

Theory .................................................................................................................................... 4

Free Vortex ........................................................................................................................ 4

Forced Vortex .................................................................................................................... 5

II. Methodology ...................................................................................................................... 6

Equipment .............................................................................................................................. 6

Procedure ............................................................................................................................... 7

General Start up Procedures: ............................................................................................. 7

General Shut down Procedures: ......................................................................................... 7

Experiment 1: Free Vortex................................................................................................. 7

Experiment 2: Forced Vortex............................................................................................. 8

III. Results ............................................................................................................................. 9

Experiment 1: Free Vortex..................................................................................................... 9

Experiment 2: Forced Vortex............................................................................................... 13

IV. Discussion ..................................................................................................................... 15

V. Conclusions ...................................................................................................................... 15

VI. References ..................................................................................................................... 16

VII. Appendices .................................................................................................................... 17

Sample Calculations............................................................................................................. 17
 I. Introduction
In brief, a vortex is a phenomenon that occurs when the fluid particles rotate about a center of
rotation, which then appears like a cyclone. Vortex has two types, free vortex and forced vortex.
Free vortex is an irrotational flow caused internally by the liquid pressure itself, or the gravity.
In real life, tornadoes and whirlpools are examples of natural free vortex. On the other hand,
forced vortex is a rotational flow formed due to external forces. This type of vortex is not
naturally occurring but is instead formed by humans or machineries paddling and exerting
forces on the fluid in circular motion, hence rotation occurs. One example of forced vortex is
impeller. Both types of vortices are also different in terms of their velocity profile at different
radius. Figure 1 illustrates that the tangential velocity of a free vortex increases exponentially

Figure 1 – Illustration of tangential velocity in free and forced vortex

sourced from: web.mit.edu

as the radius of the vortex decreases, while that of a force vortex decreases linearly as the radius
of vortex decreases. In addition to that, Figure 2 also shows the instinctive surface profile of
both type of vortex.

Figure 2 – Illustration of surface profile of free vortex (left) and forced vortex (right)

Sourced from: uta.pressbooks.pub

Objectives
i. To study surface profile and velocity of free vortex.
ii. To study surface profile and angular velocity of forced vortex.
iii. To find a relation between surface profile and total head.

Theory
Free Vortex
Free vortex is developed when the water flows out of a container or vessel through a hole at
the center of the base. the water will travel in a rotational manner towards the central hole. As
the flow is irrotational and no external energy is required, this also implies the liquid is in
steady state and moves along the flow axis, thus Bernoulli’s equation is applicable to this type
of flow:
𝑝𝑝 𝑉𝑉 2
+ + 𝑧𝑧 = 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠
𝜌𝜌𝜌𝜌 2𝑔𝑔
Now, since the plane is horizontal, z-axis is not within the consideration, thus:
𝑝𝑝 𝑉𝑉 2
+ = 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
𝜌𝜌𝜌𝜌 2𝑔𝑔
The result of differentiation on the equation above will produce:
1 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑉𝑉 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
+ =0
𝜌𝜌𝜌𝜌 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑔𝑔 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
Eq. 1
In the same horizontal plane, imagine pair of streamlines separated by distance δr linked by the
area δA of the fluid tube. The difference in pressure between both ends of the tube balance the
centrifugal force within. Hence giving:
𝑉𝑉 2 𝑑𝑑𝑝𝑝
𝜌𝜌𝜌𝜌 ∙ 𝛿𝛿𝛿𝛿 ∙ 𝛿𝛿𝛿𝛿 ∙ = ∙ 𝛿𝛿𝛿𝛿 ∙ 𝛿𝛿𝛿𝛿
𝑔𝑔 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
The equation can then be simplified by cancelling out the identical terms:
𝑉𝑉 2 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝜌𝜌𝜌𝜌 ∙ =
𝑔𝑔 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
Eq. 2
By substituting Eq.2 into Eq.1, we obtain:
𝑉𝑉 2 𝑉𝑉 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
+
𝑔𝑔𝑔𝑔 𝑔𝑔 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
The equation can then again be simplified into:
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑉𝑉
+ =0
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑟𝑟
Perform integration on the equation, we get:
ln 𝑟𝑟 + ln 𝑉𝑉 = 𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐
𝑉𝑉𝑉𝑉 = 𝐾𝐾(𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐)
𝐾𝐾
𝑉𝑉 =
𝑟𝑟
Eq.3
Now, we can see that the velocity is inversely proportional to the radius from the center of
rotation. Then, use Bernoulli’s theorem to evaluate the surface profile:
𝑉𝑉 2
+ 𝑧𝑧 = 𝐶𝐶(𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐𝑐)
2𝑔𝑔
Eq.4
Next, combine Eq.3 and Eq.4:
𝐾𝐾 2
+ 𝑧𝑧 = 𝐶𝐶
2𝑔𝑔𝑟𝑟 2
Rearrange the equation:
𝐾𝐾 2
𝐶𝐶 − 𝑧𝑧 =
2𝑔𝑔𝑟𝑟 2
Eq.5
𝐴𝐴
Finally, Eq.5 appears as a hyperbolic curve equation, 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 2 . This curve is symmetry to the

rotation axis and horizontal to z = C.

Forced Vortex
Unlike free vortex, forced vortex is formed by external disturbance. External forces are needed
to create this form of motion. For example, a paddle wheel rotates the water forcefully in a
stationary vessel. In this case, the angular velocity will be constant. Hence:
𝑉𝑉 = 𝜔𝜔𝜔𝜔
To calculate increase in radial pressure, the equation is given by:

Eq.8
Make 𝑝𝑝1 = 𝑝𝑝0 when 𝑟𝑟1 = 0, 𝑝𝑝2 = 𝑝𝑝 when 𝑟𝑟2 = 𝑟𝑟:

𝑝𝑝
Since ℎ = 𝜌𝜌𝜌𝜌:

Eq.9
Eq.9 appears as a parabolic equation. The angular velocity is calculated by
2𝜋𝜋 ∙ 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟
𝜔𝜔 =
𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡(𝑠𝑠)

II. Methodology
Equipment
In this experiment, SOLTEQ® Free and Forced Vortex (Model: FM42) is used in measuring
free and forced vortices. Figure 3 shows the assembly view of the equipment.
 Figure 3- Assembly view of SOLTEQ® Free and Forced Vortex (Model: FM42)

sourced from laboratory manual

1. Bridge 7. Probe
2. Profile measuring gauge 8.Control valve
3. 12.5mm diameter nozzle 9. 9.0mm diameter nozzle
4. Three-way inlet valve 10. Outlet
5. Inlet 11. Orifice
6. Blade 12.Flowmeter
Table 1 – components list

Procedure
General Start up Procedures:
1. On the hydraulic bench, place the study bench.
2. Set up the inlet and outlet tube.
3. Adjust the equipment’s stand so that it reaches horizontal position.
General Shut down Procedures:
1. Close volves and deactivate the pump.
2. Remove orifices, paddle, and other accessories from the vessel.
Experiment 1: Free Vortex
1. Perform the necessary general start up procedures.
2. Take the 24 mm diameter orifice and place it on the cylinder tank’s base.
 3. Close and adjust the output valve so that water flows into the sink through the two 12.5
mm diameter pipes.
4. Activate the pump and open the valve to suitable flowrate with reference to Table 2 to
obtain stable vortex.
Orifice diameter (mm) Flowrate (LPM)
24 7
16 5
12 3.5
8 2.5
Table 2

5. As the water completely stabilizes, measure the vortex diameter for several planes to
obtain the vortex profile.
6. Push down the profile measuring gauge until the sharp points is in contact with the
water surface.
7. Obtain h (from the top of profile measuring gauge to the bridge) and record it as the
measured height.
8. Obtain value a (distance between water surface and the bridge).
9. Repeat step 3 to step 9 for orifice diameter of 16 mm, 12 mm, 8mm respectively.
10. Plot the pressure head (X vs 1/r2) for each orifice diameter.
11. Then by theory, velocity can be determined:
𝐾𝐾
𝑉𝑉 =
𝑟𝑟
2
Where K is the gradient of a straight line from the plotted graph, which equals to 𝐾𝐾 �2𝑔𝑔

12. Plot theoretical velocity vs profile radius.

Experiment 2: Forced Vortex
1. Perform the necessary general start up procedures.
2. On the bed’s foot, place a closed pump with two pedals.
3. Close and adjust the output valve so that water flows into the sink through the two 9.0
mm diameter pipes. Water can flow out of the sink through another two 12.55 mm
pipes.
4. Before the water is let to the sink, raise the hose to a standard to ensure that water flow
with siphon effect.
5. Count number of circles in a certain time to measure the pedals’ angular speed.
 6. Push down probes until it meets the water surface.
7. Record the reading on vertical scale.
8. Repeat step 4 to step 7 for another two volumetric flow rates.
9. For different angular velocity, plot the coordinates of surface profile.
10. By using the equation below, plot the calculated surface profile on the same graph.
𝜔𝜔2 2
ℎ = ℎ0 + ∙ 𝑟𝑟
2𝑔𝑔
11. Compare experimental and calculated profiles.

III. Results
Experiment 1: Free Vortex
12 mm diameter orifice:
diameter of height from gauge, radius of vortex, 1/r2
vortex, d (mm) h (mm) r (mm) (mm-2)
1 32 175 16 3.906*10-3
2 24 170 12 6.944*10-3
3 18 158 9 12.346*10-3
Table 3 – experimental result for 12 mm diameter orifice

X versus 1/r2
178

176

174

172

170

168
X (mm)

166

164

162

160
y = -2038.3x + 183.43
158

156
0 0.002 0.004 0.006 0.008 0.01 0.012 0.014
1/r2 (mm-2)

Graph 1
 K (mm2/s) V1 (mm/s) V2 (mm/s) V3 (mm/s)
6323.88 395.24 526.99 702.65
Table 4 - calculated data for 12 mm diameter orifice

Theoretical V versus profile r

800
Theoretical Velocity (mm/s)

700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Profile Radius (mm)

Graph 2

16 mm diameter orifice:
diameter of height from gauge, radius of vortex, 1/r2
vortex, d (mm) h (mm) r (mm) (mm-2)
1 46 178 23 1.89*10-3
2 32 160 16 3.906*10-3
3 21 135 10.5 9.07*10-3
Table 5 - experimental data for 16 mm diameter orifice

X versus 1/r2
200
180
160
140
120
y = -5762.1x + 186.22
X (mm)

100
80
60
40
20
0
0 0.001 0.002 0.003 0.004 0.005 0.006 0.007 0.008 0.009 0.01
1/r2 (mm-2)

Graph 3
 K (mm2/s) V1 (mm/s) V2 (mm/s) V3 (mm/s)
7518.39 326.89 469.9 716.04
Table 6 - calculated data for 16 mm diameter orifice

Theoretical V versus profile r

800
Theoretical Velocity (mm/s)

700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Profile Radius (mm)

Graph 4

24 mm diameter orifice:
diameter of height from gauge, radius of vortex, 1/r2
vortex, d (mm) h (mm) r (mm) (mm-2)
1 68 179 34 0.865*10-3
2 52 156 26 1.479*10-3
3 34 120 17 3.46*10-3
Table 7 - experimental data for 24mm diameter orifice

X versus 1/r2
200
180
160
140
120
X (mm)

100 y = -21616x + 193.49

80
60
40
20
0
0 0.0005 0.001 0.0015 0.002 0.0025 0.003 0.0035 0.004
1/r2 (mm-2)

Graph 5
 K (mm2/s) V1 (mm/s) V2 (mm/s) V3 (mm/s)
20593.83 605.7 792.07 1211.4
Table 8 - calculated data for 24 mm diameter orifice

Theoretical V versus profile r

1400

1200
Theoretical Velocity (mm/s)

1000

800

600

400

200

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Profile Radius (mm)

Graph 6

Surface Profile of Free Vortex

200

180

160

140

120
Height (mm)

100

80

60

40

20

0
-40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40
radius (mm)

24 mm orifices 16 mm orifices 12 mm orifices

Graph 7
Experiment 2: Forced Vortex
ho (mm)
Distance from Center (mm)
1st (26.42LPM)
0 48
30 50
50 50
70 54
90 53
110 58
No of revolutions in 10.22s 4.5
Angular velocity (rad/s) 2.77
Table 9 - experimental data for forced vortex

Radius (mm) Experimental h (mm) Theoretical h (mm) Error (%)

110 58 53.57 -8.27
90 53 52.01 -1.9
70 54 50.76 -1.5
50 50 49.82 0.36
30 50 49.2 -1.6
0 48 48.84 1.72
-30 50 49.2 -1.6
-50 50 49.82 0.36
-70 54 50.76 -1.5
-90 53 52.01 -1.9
-110 58 53.57 -8.27
Table 10
 Experimental h vs Theoretical h
70
60
50
40
Height

30
20
10
0
-150 -100 -50 0 50 100 150
Radius

Experimental (mm) Theoretical (mm)

Graph 8

Surface profile of Vortex

70
y = 0.0007143470x2 - 0.0000000000x + 48.8438384358
60 R² = 0.8793857509

50
Height, ho (mm)

40

30

20

10

0
-150 -100 -50 0 50 100 150
Distance from center (mm)

Graph 9

From stopwatch: ω=2.766569 rad/s

From the trendline’s equation: C= 48.844mm
Theoretical ω=3.743727 rad/s
Percentage error of ω: 35.32%
IV. Discussion
In the first experiment for free vortex. The distance between the top of profile measuring gauge
and the bridge was taken as the height h with respect to different radius from the vortex’s center
of rotation. In Graph 1, 3, and 5, it is noticeable that the trendline of the pressure head is
dropping. Next, Graph 2, 4 and 6 illustrates the relationship between the velocity profile and
different point of radius of the vortex. The graphs show a negative trend, this means that
negative relation is developed. In addition to that, the graphs’ curves are exponential. On top
of that, the surface profile of different orifices’ vortex was also plotted in Graph 7. It shows
that the radius of the vortex amplifies as larger diameter of orifice is used thus, they develop
positive relationship. Then in the second experiment for forced vortex, the radius of the vortex,
as well as the height was also measured. Graph 8 presents the data from Table 10, which is to
compare the experimental and theoretical results in terms of the vortex’s surface profile. As
calculated, the curve was nicely plotted in a smoothly manner, whereas according to the
experimental data, the actual vortex’s surface profile is rather fluctuated but still symmetrical.
This is logical because, the movement of the water surface in a forced vortex is uneven due to
disturbance from external forces, hence it is very unlikely to have a smooth, perfect curve.
However, the smooth curve can act as a trendline of the forced vortex.

V. Conclusions
As a result, the free vortex experiment proved that the surface profile of the free vortex is
proportional to the diameter of orifice used, and the velocity of the free vortex is inversely
proportional to the radius profile, this is because when the exit of the water shrinks, there is
less space in for the water to escape, this will force a higher pressure and faster flow. In
summary, the surface profile and velocity of the free vortex had been studied as stated in the
experiment’s objective and the free vortex theory is proved to be valid. Moreover, it was also
evident that in forced vortex experiment, the radius of the forced vortex possesses a positive
quadratic relation with the pressure head of the vortex, producing a curvy surface profile of a
forced vortex. On top of that, the surface profile of the forced vortex also appears like the
theory. With acceptable range of percentage of errors, and validation of theories, the
experiment is also considered valid.
VI. References
• Mecholic. n.d. Mecholic: Free And Forced Vortex Flow. [online] Available at:
<https://www.mecholic.com/2015/10/free-and-forced-vortex-flow-comparison.html>
[Accessed 22 February 2022].
• Ahmari, H. and Kabir, S., 2019. Experiment #8: Free and Forced Vortices. [online]
Uta.pressbooks.pub. Available at:
<https://uta.pressbooks.pub/appliedfluidmechanics/chapter/experiment-8/> [Accessed
22 February 2022].
• Dhondt, G., 2014. Vortex. [online] Web.mit.edu. Available at:
<https://web.mit.edu/calculix_v2.7/CalculiX/ccx_2.7/doc/ccx/node79.html>
[Accessed 22 February 2022].
• Childs, P., 2010. Rotating Flow. Elsevier Science.
VII. Appendices
Sample Calculations
Experiment 1: Free Vortex
𝐾𝐾 2
= 𝑚𝑚
2𝑔𝑔
𝐾𝐾 = √(2𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚)
12 mm diameter orifice:
𝐾𝐾 = √(2(−2038.3)(−9810))
𝐾𝐾 = √39991446 = 6323.88 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚2 /𝑠𝑠
𝐾𝐾
𝑉𝑉 =
𝑟𝑟
6323.88 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚2 /𝑠𝑠
𝑉𝑉 =
𝑟𝑟 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
6323.88
𝑉𝑉1 = = 395.24 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚⁄𝑠𝑠
16
6323.88
𝑉𝑉2 = = 526.99 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚⁄𝑠𝑠
12
6323.88
𝑉𝑉3 = = 702.65 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚⁄𝑠𝑠
9
16 mm diameter orifice:
𝐾𝐾 = √(2(−5762.1)(−9810))
𝐾𝐾 = √56526201 = 7518.39 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚2 /𝑠𝑠
𝐾𝐾
𝑉𝑉 =
𝑟𝑟
7518.39 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚2 /𝑠𝑠
𝑉𝑉 =
𝑟𝑟 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
7518.39
𝑉𝑉1 = = 326.89 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚⁄𝑠𝑠
23
7518.39
𝑉𝑉2 = = 469.9 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚⁄𝑠𝑠
16
7518.39
𝑉𝑉3 = = 716.04 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚⁄𝑠𝑠
10.5
24 mm diameter orifice:
𝐾𝐾 = √(2(−21616)(−9810))
𝐾𝐾 = √424105920 = 20593.83 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚2 /𝑠𝑠
𝐾𝐾
𝑉𝑉 =
𝑟𝑟
 20593.83 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚2 /𝑠𝑠
𝑉𝑉 =
𝑟𝑟 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
20593.83
𝑉𝑉1 = = 605.7 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚⁄𝑠𝑠
34
20593.83
𝑉𝑉2 = = 792.07 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚⁄𝑠𝑠
26
20593.83
𝑉𝑉3 = = 1211.4 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚⁄𝑠𝑠
17
Experiment 2: Forced Vortex
𝜔𝜔2 2
ℎ = ℎ0 + 𝑟𝑟
2𝑔𝑔
2.772
ℎ1 = 48.844 + (0)2 = 48 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
2(9810)
2.772
ℎ2 = 48.844 + (30)2 = 49.2 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
2(9810)
2.772
ℎ3 = 48.844 + (70)2 = 50.76 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
2(9810)
2.772
ℎ4 = 48.844 + (110)2 = 53.57 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
2(9810)
2.772
ℎ5 = 48.844 + (50)2 = 49.82 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
2(9810)
2.772
ℎ6 = 48.844 + (90)2 = 52.01 𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚
2(9810)
𝜔𝜔𝑡𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒 = �(0.000714347 ∗ 2 ∗ 9810) = 3.744 𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟/𝑠𝑠
Free Vortex Measurement

Forced Vortex Measurement