LAB EXPERIMENT – 03

REPORT
Group - 10
Ankeshwar Ruthesha - 22110024
Hansin shah - 22110090
Shiva Prakash - 22110120
Pasala Greeshma - 22110182
Tamanna Meena - 22110268

FREE AND FORCED VORTEX

Aim:-To obtain the surface profile and the total head distribution in a free and forced
vortex flow

In the experiment, several apparatuses are used to meet the experiment's objectives. Forced
vortex results from using paddles in the experiment, while just the fluid flow creates a free
vortex. The experimental values, including vortex radius, height, and rotation, are noted and
used to obtain the experimental calculations. A comparison between the experimental and
theoretical calculation values is then made. Several mechanical principles are applied in the
experiment. First, the flow velocity is varied by varying the orifice diameters. Secondly, the force
on the paddle varies proportionally to the velocity of the fluid in contact with the paddle.

Theory:
Vortex flow is a flow in which the streamlines are concentric circles. They are characterized by
having no flow across the streamlines; hence, the radial component of velocity is zero. Vortices
are classified into two categories: free and forced vortices.
Forced Vortex:

Forced vortex, also called rotational vortex flow, is caused by an external element, such as a
pump impeller, together with the fluid flow. A forced vortex is caused by external forces on the
fluid. It can be created by rotating a vessel containing fluid or by paddling in fluid. Rotational flow
created by the impellers of a pump is an example of a forced vortex in turbomachinery.

In a forced vortex, in contrast with a free vortex, the fluid motion in a forced vortex circles
around the center where the speed and rate of rotation of the fluid is the greatest at the center
and decreases progressively as it goes away from the center. A few examples of forced vortex
motion are the 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 the flow of water
through the runner of a turbine. Throughout the experiment, the force can be created by rotating
the body containing the fluid or by adding a paddle to the fluid. Streamlines for such flow shall
be concentric circles, and the total energy will be constant along a streamline. The equation for
the forced vortex can be created by applying Newton’s law to a fluid element and assuming
there is no shear stress acting on the fluid, which is no relative motion between adjacent
particles.

The resulting equation can be expressed as:

2 2
∆h= h−h0 = ω r
2∗g
Where;
h = initial (non-rotating) surface height of the fluid
h0= height on the axis
ω = angular velocity, radian/second
r = radius of the cylinder
g = gravitational acceleration
Applications of forced vortex:
● Centrifugal pumps utilize a forced vortex to convert mechanical energy from a motor into
kinetic energy in a fluid. The impeller of the pump creates a forced vortex, imparting
rotational energy to the fluid, which is then converted into pressure energy.
● Forced vortex flow is used in turbines to convert fluid energy into mechanical energy.
● In the human body, forced vortex flow occurs in blood vessels when blood flows through
curved arteries or arterioles.
● Forced vortex flow principles are utilized in the design of aircraft wings and airfoils to
generate lift. The shape and angle of the wing induce a forced vortex around the wing,
generating lift by creating a pressure differential between the upper and lower surfaces.

Free Vortex:

Free vortex, also called irrotational vortex flow, is caused by fluid flow.Free vortices and forced
vortices. A free vortex is formed, for example, when water flows out of a vessel through a
central hole in the base. No external force is required to rotate the fluid, and the degree of
rotation depends on the initial disturbance. Whirlpools in rivers and tornadoes are examples of
natural free vortices.

Free vortex does not require the application of external energy or any other addition or
destruction of energy in the flow field. In such cases, the absence of friction would make it
impossible to create or destroy the vortex motion. The motion in the fluid might be a permanent
flow pattern, and the velocity of the fluid element that instantaneously passes through a given
point will be constant with time. Some examples of free vortex are the flow of liquid through a
hole at the bottom of the container, the flow of liquid around a circular bend in a pipe, and fluid
flow in a centrifugal pump casing. The water moves spirally towards the center with a
streamlined motion, which by neglecting losses caused by the viscosity, the energy unit per
mass will be kept constant. The fluid particles move in a circle about a point in the free vortex
flow. The only trivial velocity component is tangential, where this tangential speed varies with
the radius for the same circulation. All the streamlines are concentric circles about a given point
where the velocity along each streamline is inversely proportional to the distance from the
center. In non-technical terms, the fluid near the center of the vortex will circulate faster. At the
same time, the inner streamline has a shorter distance to travel to complete the ring. Based on
the vortex profile for all diameters of the orifice and the gradient of the graph can be calculated
using the equation:

( r1 )
2
c
∆h= 2∗g
2

Where;
∆h = pressure head/ depth of the pitot tube
g = gravitational acceleration
r = radius

Based on the velocity, which can be calculated from the pitot tube reading and the radius profile:

V=(2gH)^0.5

Where;
V = velocity
g = gravitational acceleration
H = pitot tube difference
Thus, theoretically, the velocity can be calculated using the equation:
V=c/r
Applications of free vortex:
● Free vortex separators are used in wastewater treatment plants to separate
solids from liquid effluents. The rotational motion induced by free vortex flow aids
in the sedimentation of particles, allowing cleaner water to be discharged.
● While tornadoes are primarily driven by forced vortex dynamics, understanding
the principles of free vortex flow can aid in modeling and predicting tornado
behavior. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations based on free vortex
principles to study tornado formation and evolution.
● Free vortex flow is utilized in particle sorting and classification processes. By
controlling the rotational motion of a fluid, particles of different sizes, densities, or
properties can be segregated, enabling applications in mineral processing,
pharmaceuticals, and recycling industries.

VELOCITY PROFILES:
(i) Free vortex: A free vortex is formed when water flows out of a vessel through a
central hole in the base.In a free cylindrical vortex, the velocity varies inversely with the
distance from the axis of rotation.In a free cylindrical vortex, the velocity (v) of the fluid
varies inversely with the radial distance (r) from the axis of rotation. This relationship is
described in the below equation:
k
v= r ,where k=constant
The equation governing the surface profile is derived from the Bernoulli’s theorem,which
is given by:
2
v
+ z=C
2g
Where,
g is the acceleration due to gravity
z is the elevation
C is a constant

Combining the above two equations,we get:

2
k
2 +z=C
2gr
Which can be written as,
2
k
C-z= 2
2gr
A
This equation represents a hyperbolic curve of the form y= 2 ,where A is constant
x

The derived surface profile equation represents a hyperbolic curve that is asymptotic to
both the axis of rotation and a horizontal plane through z=C.This curve describes the
shape of the free vortex as it extends from the axis of rotation outward.

(ii)Forced vortex:The velocity profile of a forced vortex describes how the velocity of the fluid
varies across different radial distances from the axis of rotation.
When water is forced to rotate at a constant angular speed(ω),the tangential velocity (v), is
constant and equal to:
v=rω
The velocity head, which is the kinetic energy(hc) is calculated by:
2
v
hc=
2g
By combining the above two equations,we get:
2 2
r ω
hc=
2g
The total energy (H) is the sum of the pressure head(ho) and the velocity head(hc),it is
represented by:
H=hc+ho
Substituting hc in the above question,we get:
2 2
r ω
H= +ho
2g
At r=0, H=0, automatically ho=0,which implies,
2 2
r ω
H=
2g
This equation represents the water surface profile, which is a parabola.

We can observe that the velocity is increasing linearly along with the radius.
Procedure:
The set up contains a cylindrical container with an orifice at the bottom through which
the liquid in the container may be drained,there are two scales attached to it in which
one measures the radius to which a pin is attached and another is height meter.There is
also a measuring tank to which a height scale is attached.

The forced vortex does not have any orifice at the bottom of the cylinder.The cylinder is
rotated,for forced vortex,we change the value of the angular momentum with the help of
the machine,we observe a parabolic shape and for three different angular momentums
we note the value of the radial distance(r) and height where the pin just touches the
surface of the water.
For free vortex,there is a small orifice at its base.The valves are provided to control the
outflow of the liquid and to maintain steady level of the water when we can start to take
the measurements.A tornado like vortex is generated when the water is pulled through
the orifice,because of this disturbance it begins to rotate spontaneously, forming a free
vortex without any external mechanical input.We note down the values for two different
flow rates.Then at a time period of 15 secs,we open the valve to the measuring tank
and note at what height it raises for every 15 secs.We observe a hyperbolic surface
here.

We note down all these values in different tables and do the necessary calculations.
Let’s calculate the Equation of motion for the Vortex flow.

Consider a fluid element ABCD, rotating at uniform velocity in a horizontal plane about an axis
perpendicular to the plane passing through O.
The forces acting on the element are;

● Pressure force P Δ A on face AB

∂p
● (p+ * Δ r ) Δ A on face CD
∂r

2
m∗v
▸ (iii) centrifugal force, acting in the direction away from the center, O
r

r = Radius of the element from O.

Δ θ = Angle subtended by the component at O.
Δ r= Radial thickness of the element.
Δ A = Area of cross-section of element.

Now,
Mass of element = density x Volume
m = ρ *Δr*ΔΑ
2
v
Centrifugal force= ρ *Δr*ΔΑ ( ¿
r

Equating the forces in radial directions, we get

2
∂p v
(p+ Δr )ΔΑ - pΔΑ = ρ *Δr*ΔΑ ( ¿
∂r r
2
∂p v
Δr ΔΑ = ρ *Δr*ΔΑ ( ¿
∂r r
2
∂p v
= ρ( ¿
∂r r

This equation gives the Pressure difference along the radial axis for free and forced vortex flow.

Equation of motion for vortex flow

● The hydrostatic law, i.e. give the pressure variation in the vertical plane,
∂p
= - ρg
∂z
● In the above equation, z is measured vertically in the upward direction.
● The pressure,p, varies with respect to r and z, or p is the function of r and z, and hence,
the total derivative of p is
∂p ∂p
● dp = P dr+ dz
∂r ∂z
● Substituting values from the above equations, we get;
 2
v
dp = ρ dr - ρ∗g∗dz
r
Equation of Motion for Vortex Flow

Equation of forced vortex flow

For forced vortex flow, we have;

V = ωr
2∗π∗N
ω=
60
Where is ω =constant
Substituting the values of V in the equation of motion of vortex flow

2 2
ω r
∂p = ρ dr - ρ∗g∗dz
r

Consider two points 1 and 2 in the fluid having forced vortex and integrating the above equation
for point I and point 2, we get
2 2 2

∫ dp = ∫ ρω r dr −¿ ¿ ∫ ρ gdz
❑
2

1 1 1
2
ρω
P2 - p1 = [r22 - r12] - ρ g[z2-z1]
2
❑
ρ
P2 - p1 = [ω 2r22 - ω 2r12] - ρ g[z2-z1]
2

❑
V1 = ω r1 and V2 = ω❑r1
 ❑
ρ
P2 - p1 = [V22 -V12] - ρ g[z2-z1]
2
Points 1 and 2 lie on the surface area so P2 = p1 = patm Hence the equation becomes
❑
ρ
0= [V22 -V12] - ρ g[z2-z1]
2
❑
ρ
ρ g[z2-z1] = [V22 -V12]
2
❑
1
[z2-z1] = [V22 -V12]
2g
2
If Point 1 lie on the axis of rotation then, V1 = ω r1 = 0 (r1 =0) and the above equation
becomes ;
❑
1
[z2-z1] = [V2]
2g
❑
1 1
z = 2 g [V2] = 2 g [ω 2r2]
Thus, Z varies with the square of r. Hence, the equation is Parabolic, and the surface is
Paraboloid.

Equation of Free Vortex Flow

For free vortex flow, we have;

Vr = constant = C
V=C/r

Substituting v for free vortex flow in the equation of motion of vortex flow
 2
V
dp = ρ - ρ gdz
r
2
C
dp = ρ 3 - ρ gdz
r

Consider two points 1 and 2 at radial distance r₁ and r₂ from the central axis. The
height of points from the bottom of the vessel is z1 and z2.
Integrating the above equation for points I and 2, we get
2 2 3 2

∫ dp = ∫ ρ cr 3 dr −¿ ¿ ∫ ρ gdz
1 1 1

1 1
P 1 - P 2 = - ρ C2 [
2 - 2 ] - ρ g[z2-z1]
r 2 r1
2 2
c c
P1 - P2 = ρ [ 2 - 2 ] - ρ g[z2-z1]
r 2 r1
❑
ρ
P2 - p1 = [V22 -V12] - ρ g[z2-z1]
2
P 2−p 1 1❑
ρg
= [V22 -V12] -[z2-z1]
2g
P 1 1❑ 2 P 2 1❑ 2
+
ρ g 2g 1
v + z 1 = +
ρ g 2g 2
v + z2
Hence the equation is hyperbolic, so the surface is Hyperbola.

Forced vortex:
Case 1:
Average ω value = 119
Angular Distance Needle Ground Steady-state Theoretical
velocity(ω ) from the reading reading before value (hthe)
center (r) (hexp) rotating
(From
bottom)

120 15 cm 20.5 cm 22.4 cm 20.5 cm 22.9088 cm

119 10 cm 11.5 cm 13.4 cm 20.5 cm 13.015 cm

118 5 cm 5.4 cm 7.3 cm 20.5 cm 7.078 cm

0 cm 3.2 cm 5.1 cm 20.5 cm 5.1 cm

Case2:
Average ω value = 109
Angular Distance Needle Ground Steady-state Theoretical
velocity(ω ) from the reading reading before value (hthe)
center (r) rotating
(From
bottom)

112 - 111 15 cm 19.2 cm 21.3 cm 19.2 cm 21.24 cm

110 - 109 10 cm 11.4cm 13.5 cm 19.2 cm 12.940 cm

108 - 107 5 cm 6.1 cm 8.2 cm 19.2 cm 7.9601 cm

106 0 cm 4.2 cm 6.3 cm 19.2 cm 6.3 cm

Case 3:
Average ω value = 87.5
Angular Distance Needle Ground Steady-state Theoretical
velocity(ω ) from the reading reading before value (hthe)
center (r) rotating
(From
bottom)

90-89 15 cm 16.3 cm 18.8 cm 16.3 cm 19.028 cm

88-87 10 cm 11.5 cm 14 cm 16.3 cm 13.679 cm

86 5 cm 8.2 cm 10.7 cm 16.3 cm 10.4698 cm

85 0 cm 6.9 cm 9.4 cm 16.3 cm 9.4 cm

Errors in the Experiment:

hexp−hthe
Error = ∗100
hthe
Errors Case 1 Case 2 Case 3

e1 2.2209 0.282 1.19823

e2 2.958 4.327 2.346

e3 3.136 3.0137 2.1987

Avg error 2.7716 2.5409 1.91431

Free vortex: For different flow rates :
Case 1:
Distance from Needle reading Ground reading Steady-state x_theoritical
the (From
center (r) bottom)

15 10.9 cm 13 cm 10.9 cm 35.12 cm

3 10.6 cm 12.7 cm 10.9 cm 30.783 cm

2 10.1 cm 12.2 cm 10.9 cm

1.5 9.4 cm 11.5 cm 10.9 cm 13.56 cm

1 8.4 cm 10.5 cm 10.9 cm

Case 2:
Distance from Needle reading Ground reading Steady-state x_theoritical
the (From
center (r) bottom)

15 10.9 cm 13 cm 10.9 cm 26.941

3 10.3 cm 12.4 cm 10.9 cm 24.2 cm

2 9.8 cm 11.9 cm 10.9 cm 22.3 cm

1.5 9.4 cm 11.5 cm 10.9 cm 18.756 cm

1 9.2 cm 11.3 cm 10.9 cm 11.3 cm

P 1 1❑ c 1 2 P 2 1❑ c 2 2
+
ρ g 2 g r 12
+ z 1 = +
ρ g 2 g r 22
+ z2
P1 = P2 = Patm and c1 = c2 The equation becomes,
❑
1 c ❑2 + z1 = P 2 + 1❑ c ❑2 + z2
2 g r 12 ρ g 2 g r 22
c 1 1
2
[ 2 - 2 ] = z 2 - z1
2g r 2 r1
2 2
r 1 −r 2 2
2 2 c = 2g[z2-z1]
r2 r 1
 c= √ ❑
❑

c1 c2 c3 c4 Avg c

Case 1 90.097 84.04 140.07 59.4 93.40175

Case 2 128.66 84.04 105.88 26.29 86.217

Errors in free vortex:

Errors Case 1 Case 2

e1 39.57 27.025

e2 35.93 38.632

e3 15.6 27.248

e4 4.53 34.65

Avg error 23.9057 31.88875

Graphs:
Forced vortex:
Free vortex:
Observations:
● Surface of the forced vortex is a parabola whereas the free vortex is a hyperbola.

Free Vortex:
● Near the center of the vortex, the tangential velocity is high, and as one
moves radially outward, the tangential velocity decreases inversely with
distance from the center.
● The vortex exhibited a characteristic funnel shape, with the fluid rotating
faster at the periphery and slower near the center.
● As predicted by theoretical models, the tangential velocity decreased with
increasing radial distance, following a v inversely proportional to r
relationship.
● The surface profile exhibited a concave curvature, with the highest point at
the center and gradually decreasing height towards the outer edges.
● The centrifugal forces generated by the fluid rotation resulted in a
pressure gradient, causing the fluid to rise at the periphery and converge
towards the center.
 Forced Vortex:

● Near the center of the vortex, where viscosity effects dominate, the
velocity gradient is steep.
● The pressure distribution within the rotating fluid varies with radial distance
from the axis of rotation.The pressure is highest at the outer edges of the
container and decreases towards the center due to the centrifugal forces
acting on the fluid.
● Analysis of the velocity distribution within the forced vortex revealed a
linear relationship between tangential velocity and radial distance from the
axis of rotation.

Errors:

● While measuring the length of the profile by needle, when it touches the water it
disturbs the flow.
● While measuring for free vortex, the flow may not be in steady state,to achieve
an almost steady state we have to arrange the inflow and outflow of the water
carefully but even then there isn't a complete steady flow.
● We got different values for c (constant), we took the average value of c , so it
may give an error in calculating.