Abstract

The purpose of this experiment was to study the relationship between surface profile and
speed for a free vortex and surface profile with angular velocity for a forced vortex. In the
experiment of free vortex, water was pumped out through different orifice diameters of 24 mm, 16
mm, 12 mm and 8 mm to create different surface profiles. The diameter from centre, height, pitot
tube head difference and pressure head were recorded and calculated for each vortices formed. From
there, a graph of pressure head against 1/r2 was plotted, where the gradient was used in the
calculation of theoretical velocity. Both actual (experimental) and theoretical velocities were then
compared. Meanwhile, for the experiment of forced vortex, two trials were perfomed with each using
different water flow rates. A paddle was involved in the formation of the vortex. The angular
velocities were calculated and a graph comparing the actual height theoretical height against the
distance from centre was plotted.
1.0 Introduction

Liqiuds undergo rotational motion, where they move in a circular motion. A vortex is a
region within fluid where the flow moves within a circular motion about an axis. According to Kueh
(2014), water vortex is a phenomenon where water flow in swirl motion, always described by
cylindrical coordinates with tangential, radial and axial axis. In macroscopic level, such phenomenon
is common. A vortex could be observed in nature through tropical cyclones, which also referred to
by various names according to their location and strength, such as; typhoon and hurricane
(Albert,2009). Liquid vortex also occurs in many chemical engineering appliances, such as in
centrifugal pump, in a stirred vessel and in a cyclone-type separator (Coulson, 1999).

A free vortex is formed as water throughout a central hole in the base of a container. The
degree of vortex rotation is dependent to the speed of water flow. The form moves spirally as the
water moves towards the centre with stream line in motion so that the energy per unit mass remains
constant. While the water mass is rotating, the central hole is plugged, the flow of water in the
vertical plane ceases and the motion becomes one of a simple rotation in the horizontal plane and it is
known as free cylindrical vortex. Under steady condition, each particle will move with the same
angular velocity and there will not be any relative motion between the particles. Streamlines for such
a flow will be concentric circles and the total energy is constant along a streamline but varies from
one streamline to another.

When a cylinder containing water is rotated by an external force, a forced vortex is formed.
The motion of the fluid swirling rapidly is the vortex formed. A forced vortex flow is that in which
the fluid mass is made to rotate by means of some external force, which exerts a constant torque on
the fluid thus resulting for the whole mass of fluid to rotate at constant a angular velocity, ω. There is
always constant external torque required to be applied to the fluid mass resulting in an expenditure of
energy.
2.0 Objectives
2.1 Free Vortex
i. To study the surface profile and speed.
ii. To find the relationship between surface profile and speed.
2.2 Forced Vortex
i. To study the surface profile and angular velocity.
ii. To find the relationship between surface profile and total head.

3.0 Theory

3.1 Free Vortex

A vortex is the motion of many fluid particles around a common center. Free vortex contains
radial velocity towards the center. Water passes through each segments of diameter, and the energy
at any tube is constant, which then relates to:
𝑝 𝑉2
+ 2𝑔 + z = constant
𝜌𝑔

3.2 Forced Vortex

Forced vortex is formed when a body containing fluid is rotated by paddling. The total energy
is constant along a streamline. However it varies varies from streamline to streamline.

The equation of the free vortex related to the angular velocity is given by;

𝑉 = 𝜔𝑟

The radial pressure increases and shown by,

𝑑𝑝 𝑉2
= 𝜌 = 𝜌𝜔2 𝑟
𝑑𝑟 𝑟
𝑃2 𝑟1
∫ 𝑑𝑝 = 𝜌𝜔2 ∫ 𝑟𝑑𝑟
𝑃1 𝑟2

1
𝑝2 − 𝑝1 = 𝜌𝜔2 (𝑟2 2 − 𝑟1 2 )
2
𝐵𝑦 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑝1 = 𝑝2 , 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑟1 = 0, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑝2 = 𝑝 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑟2 = 𝑟1

𝑝 − 𝑝0 𝜔2 2
= 𝑟
𝜌𝑔 2𝑔
𝑝
Because ⁄𝜌𝑔 = ℎ , so

𝜔2 2
ℎ − ℎ𝑜 = 𝑟
2𝑔

𝜔2 2
ℎ = ℎ𝑜 + 𝑟
2𝑔

The equation of forced vortex is represented by:

Ω2 𝑟 2
𝑧=
2𝑔

While the equation of distribution of total head can be represented by:

Ω2 𝑟 2
𝐻=
2𝑔

Where: z = surface profile

Ω = angular velocity
r = radius
g = gravity
H = total head

The equation of acceleration of the radial, 𝑎𝑟 and direction z, 𝑎𝑧 is given by,

𝑎𝑟 = 𝜔 2 𝑟

𝑎𝑧 = 𝑔

The equation of angular velocity is calculated by:

2 𝜋 𝑥 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
𝛺=
𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 (𝑠)
4.0 Apparatus and Materials

4.1 SOLTEQ Free and Forced Vortex (Model : FM42)

4.2 Stop watch
4.3 Power supply
4.4 Measuring gauge
4.5 Water

5.0 Procedure
5.1 Free Vortex
5.1.1 General start-up procedures were performed.
5.1.2 An orifice with diameter of 24 mm was selected and placed on the base of cylinder
tank.
5.1.3 The output valve was closed and the inlet 3-way valve was adjusted to let the water
flows into the tank from two pipes with 12.5 mm diameter. This results in the water
flow out through the orifice.
5.1.4 The pump was switched on and the control valve on the hydraulic bench was slowly
opened until the tank limit. Water level in the tank was maintained by adjusting the
control valve.
5.1.5 The vortex profile was collected by measuring the vortex diameter for several planes
using the profile measuring gauge when the water level is stable.
5.1.6 The profile measuring gauge was pushed down until the both of sharp point touches
the water surface.
5.1.7 The height, h (from the top of the profile measuring gauge to the bridge) was
recorded. The value of a (distance from the bridge to the surface of the water level)
was obtained.
5.1.8 The pitot tube was used to measure the velocity by sinking it into the water at the
depth of 5, from the water surface. The depth of the pitot tube in the water, H was
measured.
5.1.9 Steps 3 to 8 were repeated using another three orifice with diameter of 12mm, 16mm
and 8mm respectively.
5.1.10 The coordinates of vortex profile for all diameter of orifice were plotted in graph and
the gradient of the graph was calculated.
 5.1.11 The graph of velocity which is calculated from the pitot tube reading versus the
radius of the profile was plotted

5.2 Forced vortex

5.2.1 The general start-up procedures were performed.
5.2.2 A closed pump with two pedals was placed on the base of the cylinder tank.
5.2.3 The output valve was closed and the inlet 3-way was adjusted to let the water flows
into the tank from two pipes with 9.0 mm diameter. The water will flow out through
another two pipes with 12.5 mm diameter.
5.2.4 The water flow out from the tank was ensured with the siphon effect by raising the
hose to above the water level in the tank.
5.2.5 The outlet hose was ensured to fill with water before letting the water to flow into
the sump tank in the hydraulic bench.
5.2.6 The angular speed of the pedals was measured by counting the number of circles in a
certain times.
5.2.7 The surface probe was pushed down until the sharp point touch the water surface.
5.2.8 The height, ho (from top of the measuring gauge to bridge) was measured.
5.2.9 Steps 4 to 8 were repeated with different volumetric flow rate.
5.2.10 The coordinates of vortex profile for different angular velocity was plotted.
5.2.11 The calculated vortex profile was plotted in the same graph.
6.0 Results
6.1 Free vortex

Orifice diameter = 24 mm
|Distance from bridge to water surface, a = 181 mm

Diameter Measured Pitot Tube Pressure Velocity, r r2 (mm2) 1 1

( )
at centre, Height, h Head Head / (mm/s) (mm) 𝑟 2 𝑚𝑚2
D (mm) (mm) Difference, Depth of
H (mm) the Pitot
Tube, X
(mm)

55 76 6 73 343.103 27.5 756.25 1.31 × 10−3

53 74 9 75 420.214 26.5 702.25 1.42 × 10−3

49 69 12 80 485.222 24.5 600.25 1.67 × 10−3

48 68 15 81 542.494 25.0 625.00 1.60 × 10−3

Orifice diameter = 16 mm
Distance from bridge to water surface = 192 mm
Diameter Measured Pitot Tube Pressure Velocity, r r2 (mm2) 1 1
( )
at centre, Height, h Head Head / (mm/s) (mm) 𝑟 2 𝑚𝑚2
D (mm) (mm) Difference, Depth of
H (mm) the Pitot
Tube, X
(mm)

50 104 5 34 313.209 25.0 625.00 1.60 × 10−3

47 101 6 37 343.103 23.5 552.25 1.81 × 10−3

44 99 9 39 420.214 22.0 484.00 2.07 × 10−3

40 96 11 42 464.564 20.0 400.00 2.50 × 10−3

Orifice diameter = 12 mm
Distance from bridge to water surface = 201 mm

Diameter Measured Pitot Tube Pressure Velocity, r r2 (mm2) 1 1

( )
at centre, Height, h Head Head / (mm/s) (mm) 𝑟 2 𝑚𝑚2
D (mm) (mm) Difference, Depth of
H (mm) the Pitot
Tube, X
(mm)

48 115 4 14 280.143 24.0 576.00 1.74 × 10−3

46 111 7 18 370.594 23.0 529.00 1.89 × 10−3

43 107 10 22 442.945 21.5 462.25 2.35 × 10−3

39 106 13 23 505.035 19.5 380.25 2.63 × 10−3

Orifice diameter = 8 mm
Distance from bridge to water surface = 208 mm
Diameter Measured Pitot Tube Pressure Velocity, r r2 (mm2) 1 1
( )
at centre, Height, h Head Head / (mm/s) (mm) 𝑟 𝑚𝑚2
2

D (mm) (mm) Difference, Depth of

H (mm) the Pitot
Tube, X
(mm)

40 117 3 5 242.611 20.0 400.00 2.50 × 10−3

37 113 5 9 313.209 18.5 342.25 2.92 × 10−3

33 112 7 10 370.594 16.5 272.25 3.67 × 10−3

29 110 11 12 464.564 14.5 210.25 4.76 × 10−3

 6.2 Forced vortex

Distance from Centre ℎ0 (𝑐𝑚)

(mm)
1st 2nd 3rd

0 92 73 55

30 94 83 64

70 98 86 69

110 109 92 74

No of Revolutions in 31 32 34
60 seconds

Angular Velocity 3.25 3.35 3.56

(rad/s)
7.0 Sample Calculations
7.1 Free vortex
From Graph 1;
𝑦2 − 𝑦1
𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡, 𝑚 =
𝑥2 − 𝑥1
79.4 − 75.0
=
0.00164 − 0.00140
𝑚 = 18333.33𝑚𝑚3
Thus,
𝑘2
= 18333.33
2𝑔
𝑘 = 18965.76 𝑚𝑚⁄𝑠

𝑘
Theoretical velocity or calculated velocity, 𝑣 = 𝑟

18965.76 18965.76 18965.76 18965.76

𝑣= 𝑣= 𝑣= 𝑣=
27.5 26.5 24.5 25.0
𝑚𝑚 𝑚𝑚 𝑚𝑚 𝑚𝑚
= 689.664 = 715.690 = 774.113 = 758.630
𝑠 𝑠 𝑠 𝑠

Radius, r (mm) Actual Velocity, v (mm/s) Theoretical Velocity, v

(mm/s)

27.5 343.103 689.664

26.5 420.214 715.690

24.5 485.222 774.113

25.0 542,494 758.630

7.2 Forced vortex

For the first volumetric flowrate;
2𝜋 × 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠
𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝛺 =
60 𝑠
2𝜋 × 31
=
60
𝑟𝑎𝑑
= 3.25
𝑠
 𝑤2
Theoretical height from top of the surface probe to bridge, ℎ = ℎ0 + 2𝑔 𝑟 2

(3.25)2 (3.25)2 (3.25)2

ℎ = 92 + (30)2 ℎ = 92 + (70)2 ℎ = 92 + (110)2
2(9810) 2(9810) 2(9810)

= 92.48 𝑚𝑚 = 94.64 𝑚𝑚 = 98.51 𝑚𝑚

Calculated values;

Distance from centre h (mm)

(mm) 1st 2nd 3rd

0 92.00 73.00 55.00

30 92.48 73.51 55.58

70 94.64 75.80 58.17

110 98.51 79.92 62.82

Angular velocity
3.25 3.35 3.52
(rad/s)

Full calculations are in the Appendices.

Data analyses were tabulated in Appendices.

8.0 Discussion
This experiment aims to investigate the relationship between surface profile and speed for
a free vortex and surface profile with angular velocity for a forced vortex. A free vortex is
formed when water flows out through a hole at the bottom of a tank while driven by the circular
rotation of a pumping water vessel. Here, the water flows out through different orifice diameters
of 24 mm, 16 mm, 12 mm and 8 mm. Once the flow had stabilized, the diameter at centre, height,
pitot tube head difference and pressure head were recorded and calculated. From the results, 24
mm orifice diameter gave the biggest vortex diameter, followed by the 16 mm, 12 mm and 8 mm.
This is because as diameter of orifice decreases, the vortex diameter also decreases. Also, the
theoretical velocities were calculated from the graph of pressure head against 1/r2 that was
plotted.
Forced vortex on the other hand is formed when a liquid is rotated by a paddle within a
tank. The surface profile of forced vortex is a parabolic shape and is dependent to the angular
velocity of the rotation. The rotational speed of the paddle was measured by counting the number
of rotations in 60 seconds. Two trials were conducted where both used different flow rates of
water. The angular velocities were calculated where it was used to compare the actual and
theoretical values centre between by plotting a graph of height against distance from centre.
For both experiments, there shows a deviation between the experimental and theoretical
values. This is because there are a few errors that had occurred. One of the errors is that the end
of the measuring gauge was not able to measure the diamter at the center of the vortex as the
centre of the vortex was not in the middle of the tank. Besides that, the pitot tube did not sinked
into 5mm from the surface. This affected the results when calculating the velocity by using the
formula 𝑉 = (2𝑔𝐻)0.5 Also, the flow of water had not achieved asteady state. Lastly, the eyes
were not perpendicular to the reading scale and parallax error may have had occurred when the
reading was taken.

9.0 Conclusion
9.1 From the experiment conducted free vortex and forced vortex have their own surface profile.
9.2 For free vortex, the diameter of the vortex is proportional with the diameter of orifice and the
velocity is inversely proportional to the radius.
9.3 For forced vortex, the angular velocity is proportional to the water flow rate and the height
of vortex formed.
10.0 Recommendations

10.1 A stable flow of water should be obtained to get more accurate readings of the surface profile
by controlling the pump valve.
10.2 Dust free apparatus should be used.
10.3 Clear water without any particles should be used in the experiment.
10.4 Oiling and greasing of the parts such as the paddle should be done at regular intervals.

References

J.M Coulson & J. F Richardson , (1999), Chemical Engineering, Volume 1, Sixth Edition, Fluid Flow,
Heat Transfer and Mass Transfer, Butterworth Heinnemann

Tze Cheng Kueh, (April 2014), Numerical Analysis of Water Vortex Formation for the Water Vortex
Power Plant, retrieved from
http://pubs.rsc.org.ezaccess.library.uitm.edu.my/en/content/chapterpdf/2008/9781847558756-
00031?isbn=978-0-85404-156-5&pdate=2008-11-04&sercode=bk&page=search, at 24th December
2014

Albert Guijarro, (2009), The Origin of Chirality in the Molecules of Life: A Revision from Awareness
to the Current Theories and Perspectives of this Unsolved Problem, retrieved from
http://search.proquest.com.ezaccess.library.uitm.edu.my/docview/1507612529?pq-origsite=summon,
at 24th December 2014
 APPENDICES

i. Data Analysis

Pressure Head VS 1/r2

82

81

80

79
Pressure Head, X (mm)

78

77

76

75

74

73

72
0 0.0002 0.0004 0.0006 0.0008 0.001 0.0012 0.0014 0.0016 0.0018
1/r2 (1/mm2 )

Graph 1
 Pressure Head VS 1/r2
45

40

35
Pressure Head, X (mm)

30

25

20

15

10

0
0 0.0005 0.001 0.0015 0.002 0.0025 0.003
1/r2 (1/mm2 )

Graph 2

Pressure Head VS 1/r2

25

20
Presssure Head, X (mm)

15

10

0
0 0.0005 0.001 0.0015 0.002 0.0025 0.003
1/r2 (1/mm2 )

Graph 3
 Pressure Head VS 1/r2
14

12

10
Pressure Head, X (mm)

0
0 0.0005 0.001 0.0015 0.002 0.0025 0.003 0.0035 0.004 0.0045 0.005
1/r2 (1/mm2 )

Graph 4

ii. Calculations for Free Vortex

From graph 2;
𝑦2 − 𝑦1
𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡, 𝑚 =
𝑥2 − 𝑥1
41.0 − 37.0
=
0.00250 − 0.00181
𝑚 = 5797.101 𝑚𝑚3
Thus,
𝑘2
= 5797.101
2𝑔
𝑘 = 10664.85 𝑚𝑚⁄𝑠
𝑘
Theoretical velocity, 𝑣 = 𝑟

10664.85 10664.85 10664.85 10664.85

𝑣= 𝑣= 𝑣= 𝑣=
25.0 23.5 22.0 20.0
𝑚𝑚 𝑚𝑚 𝑚𝑚 𝑚𝑚
= 426.594 = 453.823 = 484.766 = 533.243
𝑠 𝑠 𝑠 𝑠
Radius, r (mm) Actual Velocity, v (mm/s) Theoretical Velocity, v
(mm/s)

25.0 313.209 426.594

23.5 343.103 453.823

22.0 420.214 484.766

20.0 464.564 533.243

From graph 3;
𝑦2 − 𝑦1
𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡, 𝑚 =
𝑥2 − 𝑥1
23.5 − 16.0
=
0.00260 − 0.00180
𝑚 = 9375.00 𝑚𝑚3

Thus,

𝑘2
= 9375.00
2𝑔
𝑘 = 13562.36 𝑚𝑚⁄𝑠
𝑘
Theoretical velocity, 𝑣 = 𝑟

13562.36 13562.36 13562.36 13562.36

𝑣= 𝑣= 𝑣= 𝑣=
24.0 23.0 21.5 19.5
𝑚𝑚 𝑚𝑚 𝑚𝑚 𝑚𝑚
= 565.098 = 589.660 = 630.807 = 695.506
𝑠 𝑠 𝑠 𝑠

Radius, r (mm) Actual Velocity, v (mm/s) Theoretical Velocity, v

(mm/s)

24.0 280.143 565.098

23.0 370.594 589.660

21.5 442.945 630.807

19.5 505.035 695.506

From graph 4;
𝑦2 − 𝑦1
𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡, 𝑚 =
𝑥2 − 𝑥1
10.4 − 9.20
=
0.00420 − 0.00360
𝑚 = 2000 𝑚𝑚3
Thus,
𝑘2
= 2000
2𝑔
𝑘 = 6264.18 𝑚𝑚⁄𝑠
𝑘
Theoretical velocity, 𝑣 =
𝑟

6264.18 6264.18 6264.18 6264.18

𝑣= 𝑣= 𝑣= 𝑣=
20.0 18.5 16.5 14.5
𝑚𝑚 𝑚𝑚 𝑚𝑚 𝑚𝑚
= 313.209 = 338.604 = 379.647 = 432.012
𝑠 𝑠 𝑠 𝑠

Radius, r (mm) Actual Velocity, v (mm/s) Theoretical Velocity, v

(mm/s)

20.0 242.611 313.209

18.5 313.209 338.604

16.5 370.594 378.647

14.5 464.564 432.012

 Velocity VS Radius
900

800

700

600
Velocity, v (mm/s)

500

Actual Velocity, v (mm/s)

400
Theoretical Velocity, v (mm/s)
300

200

100

0
24 25 26 27 28
Radius, r (mm)

Graph 5
 Velocity VS Radius
600

500

400
Velocity, v (mm/s)

300
Actual Velocity, v (mm/s)
Theoretical Velocity, v (mm/s)
200

100

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Radius, r (mm)

Graph 6

Velocity VS Radius
800

700

600
Velocity, v (mm/s)

500

400
Actual Velocity, v (mm/s)

300 Theoretical Velocity, v (mm/s)

200

100

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Radius, r (mm)

Graph 7
 Velocity VS Radius
500

450

400

350
Velocity, v (mm/s)

300

250
Actual Velocity, v (mm/s)
200 Theoretical Velocity, v (mm/s)
150

100

50

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Radius, r (mm)

Graph 8
iii. Calculations for Forced Vortex

For the 2nd volumetric flowrate;

2𝜋 × 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠
𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝛺 =
60 𝑠
2𝜋 × 34
=
60
𝑟𝑎𝑑
= 3.35
𝑠
𝑤2
Theoretical height from top of the surface probe to bridge, ℎ = ℎ0 + 2𝑔 𝑟 2

(3.35)2 (3.35)2 (3.35)2

ℎ = 73 + (30)2 ℎ = 73 + (70)2 ℎ = 73 + (110)2
2(9810) 2(9810) 2(9810)

= 73.51 𝑚𝑚 = 75.80 𝑚𝑚 = 79.92 𝑚𝑚

For the 3rd volumetric flowrate;

2𝜋 × 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠
𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦, 𝛺 =
60 𝑠
2𝜋 × 34
=
60
𝑟𝑎𝑑
= 3.56
𝑠
𝑤2
Theoretical height from top of the surface probe to bridge, ℎ = ℎ0 + 2𝑔 𝑟 2

(3.56)2 (3.56)2 (3.56)2

ℎ = 55 + (30)2 ℎ = 55 + (70)2 ℎ = 55 + (110)2
2(9810) 2(9810) 2(9810)

= 55.58 𝑚𝑚 = 58.17 𝑚𝑚 = 62.82 𝑚𝑚

 h VS Distance from Centre
110.00
Height fro Top of the Surface Probe to Bridge, h (mm)

108.00

106.00

104.00

102.00

100.00
Actual h (mm)
98.00 theoretical h (mm)

96.00

94.00

92.00

90.00
0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 80.00 100.00 120.00
Distance from Centre (mm)

Graph 9
 h VS Distance from Centre
100.00
Height fro Top of the Surface Probe to Bridge, h (mm)

90.00

80.00

70.00

60.00

50.00
Actual h (mm)
40.00 Theoretical h (mm)

30.00

20.00

10.00

0.00
0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 80.00 100.00 120.00
Distance from Centre (mm)

Graph 10

h VS Distance from Centre

80.00
Height from Top of the Surface Probe to Bridge, h

70.00

60.00

50.00
(mm)

40.00
Actual h (mm)
30.00 Theoretical h (mm)

20.00

10.00

0.00
0.00 20.00 40.00 60.00 80.00 100.00 120.00
Distance from Centre (mm)

Graph 11