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The document discusses forced and free vortex flows, highlighting their definitions, characteristics, and applications. Forced vortices involve external forces like pumps or propellers to create rotation, while free vortices occur naturally due to conservation of angular momentum. Both types have distinct velocity profiles and are utilized in various fields such as aviation, marine engineering, and atmospheric phenomena.

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4 views

Untitled document-1

The document discusses forced and free vortex flows, highlighting their definitions, characteristics, and applications. Forced vortices involve external forces like pumps or propellers to create rotation, while free vortices occur naturally due to conservation of angular momentum. Both types have distinct velocity profiles and are utilized in various fields such as aviation, marine engineering, and atmospheric phenomena.

Uploaded by

23110078
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Forced Vortex: Also known as Rotational Vortex flow, is a flow pattern where rotation of fluid

particles is forced by external elements such as propellers. These 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. 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. 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.

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
w r
∆h= h−h0 =
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

Application of forced vortex:


● In aviation, forced vortices are utilized to create thrust in jet engines by controlling airflow
dynamics.
● In marine engineering, they help generate propulsion in ships, improving efficiency and
maneuverability.
● In hydraulic systems, forced vortices enhance fluid mixing and energy transfer in
chemical reactors and turbines.
● In the human body, forced vortex flow occurs in blood vessels when blood flows through
curved arteries or arterioles.
Free Vortex:
Also called irrotational vortex flow, 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. Some examples of natural free vortices are Whirlpools and Tornadoes.

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.

Based on the vortex profile for all diameters of the orifice and the gradient of the graph can be
calculated using the equation:

1
∆h= ¿). 2
r

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)

Where;

V = velocity

g = gravitational acceleration

H = pitot tube difference

Thus, theoretically, the velocity can be calculated using the equation:

c
V=
r

Applications of free vortex:


● Cyclones and Tornadoes: In atmospheric phenomena like cyclones and tornadoes, free
vortices help in the formation of strong rotational wind patterns. The wind speed is higher
near the center, while the pressure is lower, driving intense weather systems.
● Water Turbines and Hydro Power Plants: Free vortices are used in hydraulic turbines to
guide water flow efficiently. They help in energy extraction by maintaining smooth
rotational movement, reducing energy losses and improving turbine performance.
● Aerodynamic Design of Aircraft and Missiles: Free vortices play a crucial role in
aerodynamics by influencing lift and stability. Vortex formation on wings and missile
bodies enhances maneuverability and reduces drag, improving overall flight
performance.

Velocity Profiles:
Free Vortex:
A free vortex is formed when water flows out of a vessel through a central hole in the base. The
degree of the rotation depends on the initial disturbance. In a free cylindrical vortex, the
velocity(v) varies inversely with the radial distance(r) from the axis of rotation as:
k
V=
r
Where, k is constant.

The equation governing the surface profile is derived from the Bernoulli’s theorem:
2
v
+z=C
2g

Where,

g = acceleration due to gravity

z = elevation

C = 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
This curve is asymptotic to the axis of rotation and to the horizontal plane through z=c.

Forced Vortex:
The Velocity profile of a forced vortex describes how the velocity of the fluid varies across radial
distances from the axis of rotation.
When water is forced to rotate at a constant speed, the velocity will be also constant and equal
to:
V = rω
The velocity head, which is the kinetic energy(hc) is calculated by:
2
h c= v
2g
By combining above two equations:
2 2
h c= r . ω
2g
The total energy(H) is the sum of pressure head(h o) and velocity head(h c), it is represented as:
H =h o+h c
Substituting h c in the above equation we get:
2 2
r .ω h
H= + o
2g
At r = 0 and H = 0, we get h o = 0, which implies
2 2
r .ω
H=
2g
The equation represents the water surface profile, which is a parabola.

Velocity profile of free vortex (left) and forced vortex (right)

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