Forced vortex flow

1 Aim
To understand the physics behind the flow profile of a forced vortex.

2 Objective
To obtain the surface profile in a forced vortex flow.

3 Introduction
In this experiment we shall generate forced vortex and understand its characteristics. Forced vortex flow
is defined as a flow, in which some external torque is required to rotate the fluid mass. The fluid mass
in this type of flow, rotates at constant angular velocity. Examples of forced vortex are:

• A vertical cylinder containing liquid which is rotated about its central axis with a constant angular
velocity.
• Flow of liquid inside the impeller of centrifugal pump.
• Flow of water through the runner of a turbine.

Free vortex flow is an example of rotational flow where no external torque is required to rotate the fluid
mass. Thus the liquid in case of free vortex is rotating due to the rotation which is imparted to the fluid
previously. Some examples of free vortex flow are:

• Flow of liquid through a hole provided at the bottom of the container.

• Flow of liquid around a circular bend in a pipe.

• A whirlpool in a river.
• Flow of fluid in a centrifugal pump casing.

1
 Figure 1: Schematic of Experimental setup

4 Theory
Under steady conditions, each particle will move with the same angular velocity and there will not be
any relative motion between fluid 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.
Using the continuity and Navier Stokes equations, derive the velocity profile and the free surface profile
for a cylindrical container of radius R, rotating with angular velocity of . Solve the problem in cylindrical
coordinates. Assume the flow to be unidirectional in nature with vr and vz to be zero. (Refer to
Fundamentals of Fluid Mechanics by Munson, Section 2.12.2)

5 Description
The set-up consists of an open transparent acrylic cylinder, which is free to rotate about its vertical
axis. The cylinder is suitably mounted on a stainless steel plate. The plate is rotated with the help
of a variable speed motor so that cylinder rotates about its vertical axis. A pointer gauge mounted on
graduated carriage is provided with the apparatus. A proximity switch is also provided for measuring
the RPM of motor.

When fluid is drawn down a plug-hole, one can observe the phenomenon of a vortex. The tangential
velocity v varies inversely as the distance r from the center of rotation, so the angular momentum, vr, is

2
constant; the vorticity is zero everywhere (except for a singularity at the center-line) and the circulation
about a contour containing r = 0 has the same value everywhere. The free surface (if present) dips
sharply (as r−2 ) as the center line is approached.

6 Utilities required
1. Electricity supply: single phase, 220 VAC, 50 Hz, 4kW. Combined with earth connection.
2. Water supply.
3. Floor drain required.

4. Floor area required: 2.5 m ∗ 1.5 m.

7 Experimental procedure
Starting Procedure:

1. Ensure that all On/Off Switches given on the Panel are at OFF position.
2. Clean the apparatus and make cylinder free from dust.
1 th
3. Fill the cylinder approximately 4 with Clean Water and ensure that no foreign particles arc
there.

4. Now switch ON the Main Power Supply and switch ON the motor. Then increase the speed of
motor slowly.
5. The cylinder is rotated at a constant speed. The free surface of the water takes the form a forced
vortex.

6. After steady state conditions are achieved, surface profile readings are taken by measuring different
horizontal distances along radius and the corresponding heights. The surface elevation at the center
of the vortex (at r= 0) is taken as the datum for all these readings
7. The resulting water surface profile is recorded by traversing the pointer gauge and scale. Plot a
graph between radius and height and theoretical height.

8. Repeat the same procedure for different speeds of rotation.

Closing Procedure:

1. Adjust DC Drive knob at ZERO.

2. When experiment is over, switch off the motor first.
3. Switch off Power Supply to Panel and drain water.

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8 Standard Data
• ID of cylinder = 0.200 m
• length of cylinder = 0.350 m
• Acceleration due to Gravity = 9.81 m/sec2

Formulae:
2πN
• Angular velocity: ω = 60

ω2 r2
• Surface Profile (derive this in the theory): Z = 2g

9 Observation table
To verify symmetry of the surface profile, take surface readings at both θ = 0 and θ = π .
Take as many r vs Z readings as possible.

S.No. RPM (ω1 ) RPM (ω2 ) RPM (ω3 )

Radial position Height(cm) Radial position Height(cm) Radial position Height(cm)
(cm) (cm) (cm)
1
2
3
4
5

10 Calculations
Calculation table:-

RPM = , Angular velocity =

S.No. Radial position (cm) Experimental surface height (cm) Theoretical Height, Z

1
2
3
4
5
Plot experimental results and theoretical results for the same RPM on the same plot.
Using plots verify that the flow is symmetric about the assumed axis of symmetry.
Repeat this for different RPMs used in the experiment.

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11 Nomenclature
• ω = Angular velocity
• Z = distance from the datum at r=0 to the surface
• g = Acceleration due to gravity
• r = Radius of cylinder

12 Discussion
Answer the following questions in context of the experiment performed by you:

1. There is a transient phase when the system is started and all parts of the system does not move
with the same angular velocity. How can one estimate the time required for the system to achieve
steady state ?(Give brief approach only with relevant equations)

2. Compare the radial height of the vortex and compare it with the theoretical height of the vortex.
State the reasons for the deviations form the theoretical result.
3. Derive the equation for mechanical energy for the forced vortex flow.
4. Your system is a square box that is being rotated using external torque. The equations that you
have been asked to derive is in cylindrical coordinates. What considerations does one need to
consider to make the calculations for this experiment ?
5. Discuss in brief the sources of errors in the experiment and the measures you suggest to rectify
the same.

13 Precautions and Maintenance instructions

• Always keep apparatus free from dust.
• Frequently Grease/Oil the rotating parts, once in three months.
• Always Use Clean Water.

• If the Apparatus is not in use for more than one month, drain the apparatus completely.

14 Troubleshooting
• If electric panel is not showing the input on the mains light, check the main supply.

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15 Viva questions
1. Which Newton’s law is the derivation of the height of the free surface based on?
2. What is the velocity profile of forced vortex?
3. How is the velocity profile of a forced vortex different from that of a free vortex?
4. Why is external required for maintaining a forced vortex?

5. Does the height of the free surface depend on fluid density? Explain.
6. Does the height of the free surface depend on fluid viscosity? Explain.
7. What is vorticity?

8. What is the vorticity of the flow due to forced vortex?

9. Can one apply Bernoulli’s theorem to the forced vortex flow? Why? Why not?
10. If the forced vortex flow is introduced in a sphere how will the free surface vary then?
11. What will happen to the free surface for a box, i.e, cartesian system?

16 References
1. R.Byron Bird, Warren E. Stewart, Edwin N. Lightfoot, ”Transport Phenomena”, Wiley, 2th
edition, 2014.

2. Bruce R. Munson, Donald F. Young, Theodore H. Okiishi, Wade W. Huebsch, ”Fundamentals

of Fluid Mechanics”, Wiley, 6th edition, 2012.