Experiment No 03
Experiment No 03
• Apparatus:
The following equipment is required to perform the orifice and free jet flow experiment:
• Apparatus Description:
The orifice and free jet flow apparatus consists of a cylindrical head tank with an orifice plate
set into its side. An adjustable overflow pipe is adjacent to the head tank to allow changes in
the water level. A flexible hose attached to the overflow pipe returns excess water to the
hydraulics bench. A scale attached to the head tank indicates the water level. A baffle at the
base of the head tank promotes smooth flow conditions inside the tank, behind the orifice
plate. Two orifice plates with 3mm and 6 mm diameters are provided and may be
interchanged by slackening the two thumb nuts. The trajectory of the jet may be measured,
using the vertical needles. For this purpose, a sheet of paper should be attached to the
backboard, and the needles should be adjusted to follow the trajectory of the water jet. The
needles may be locked, using a screw on the mounting bar. The positions of the tops of the
needles can be marked to plot the trajectory. A drain plug in the base of the head tank allows
water to be drained from the equipment at the end of the experiment.
• Theory:
An orifice and jet apparatus is a laboratory device used in fluid mechanics experiments to
study the flow of fluids through an orifice and a jet. It helps in understanding fluid flow
characteristics, measuring flow rates, and studying the principles of fluid dynamics.
Here's an overview of the components and operation of such an apparatus:
Components of an Orifice and Jet Apparatus:
1. Orifice Plate: This is a thin plate with a precisely drilled hole (the orifice) in the
center. It is mounted in the flow path to create a constriction through which the fluid
flows. The size and shape of the orifice can vary for different experiments.
2. Nozzle: A nozzle is used to discharge a jet of fluid from the orifice. It is connected to a
supply of pressurized fluid (often water or air) and is positioned just downstream of the
orifice plate. The nozzle shape can also be altered to study different flow patterns.
3. Manometers: Manometers or pressure gauges are used to measure the pressure drop
across the orifice. They are typically connected upstream and downstream of the orifice
plate and help calculate the velocity of the fluid.
4. Flow Control Valve: A flow control valve is used to regulate the flow rate of the fluid
entering the nozzle. It allows for adjusting the experimental conditions to observe various
flow regimes.
5. Collection Tank: A tank or container is placed to collect the fluid jet discharged from
the nozzle. This is important for measuring the flow rate of the jet.
6. Scale and Measuring Devices: Scales, rulers, and measuring devices are used to
determine the dimensions and characteristics of the orifice, jet, and other components.
2. Fluid Supply: The fluid (typically a liquid like water or a gas like air) is supplied to
the nozzle through a supply line. The flow rate can be controlled using the flow control
valve.
3. Measure Pressure Drops: The pressure upstream and downstream of the orifice is
measured using manometers. The pressure difference across the orifice is used to
calculate the velocity of the fluid passing through the orifice.
4. Discharge Jet: When the fluid flows through the orifice and exits the nozzle, it forms
a jet. The characteristics of the jet, such as its trajectory and shape, can be observed and
measured.
5. Data Collection: Data, including pressure measurements, flow rates, and dimensions
of the orifice and nozzle, are recorded during the experiment.
6. Analysis: Using the measured data and relevant equations (such as Bernoulli's
equation and the continuity equation), various fluid flow parameters can be calculated,
including velocity, flow rate, and discharge coefficient.
7. Variations: Experiments with different orifice sizes, nozzle shapes, and flow rates can
be conducted to investigate the effect of these variables on fluid flow.
The orifice and jet apparatus is a valuable tool for teaching and research purposes in fluid
mechanics and is used to validate theoretical principles related to fluid flow. It allows
students and researchers to visualize and quantify the behavior of fluids in controlled
laboratory conditions.
The orifice outflow velocity can be calculated by applying Bernoulli’s equation (for a steady,
incompressible, frictionless flow) to a large reservoir with an opening (orifice) on its side.
where h is the height of fluid above the orifice. This is the ideal velocity since the effect of fluid
viscosity is not considered in deriving Equation 1. The actual flow velocity, however, is smaller
than vi and is calculated as:
Cv is the coefficient of velocity, which allows for the effects of viscosity; therefore, Cv <1. The
actual outflow velocity calculated by Equation (2) is the velocity at where the diameter of the jet
is the least and the flow velocity is at its maximum.
• Procedure:
1. Setup:
Set up the experimental area with a clear, controlled space for launching the jet. Ensure
that the launch apparatus is securely fixed in place. Set up any necessary tracking
equipment to monitor the jet's trajectory.
2. Calibration:
Calibrate the launch apparatus to ensure consistent initial velocities for the jet. Conduct
test launches to verify the launch velocity's accuracy.
3. Data Collection:
Measure and record the angle of projection at which the jet is launched from the
horizontal. Launch the jet multiple times while recording the time of flight (t) for each
launch. Measure the horizontal distance (d) covered by the jet for each launch. Repeat the
data collection process for several trials.
• Table 01:
Graph:
Applications:
The coefficient of velocity (Cv) obtained from the trajectory of a jet can have various
practical applications in engineering, physics, and aviation. Here are some of the key
applications:
1. Aerospace Engineering:
Aircraft Design: Cv is used to design and optimize aircraft propulsion systems, such as
jet engines and rockets. Understanding the Cv helps in designing nozzles and thrust
chambers for efficient propulsion.
3. Jet Propulsion:
Rocketry: In rocket propulsion, Cv is crucial for designing rocket nozzles to maximize
thrust efficiency.
Jet Engines: In aviation, Cv is used to improve the performance of jet engines, leading
to more efficient and powerful aircraft.
4. Projectile Motion:
Ballistics: In ballistics, understanding Cv is essential for optimizing the trajectory and
range of projectiles, including artillery shells and missiles.
5. Environmental Science:
-Air Quality Monitoring: Knowledge of Cv can aid in modeling the dispersion of
pollutants released from industrial stacks and aircraft engines, contributing to air quality
assessments.
7. Space Exploration:
Cv is applied in the control of spacecraft during maneuvers, including orbital
adjustments and landing on celestial bodies.
10. Firefighting:
Fire Hose Nozzle: Cv plays a role in designing fire hose nozzles for firefighting
applications, ensuring efficient water flow and control.
The coefficient of velocity obtained from the trajectory of a jet is a valuable parameter
for understanding and optimizing fluid flow and propulsion systems across a wide range
of industries and research fields. It helps engineers and researchers design more efficient
and effective systems and devices.