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Vortices In A Viscous Fluid

a
H. O. Anwar Dr.-Ing.
a
Hydraulics Research Station, Ministry of Technology,
Wallingford, England
Version of record first published: 01 Feb 2010.

To cite this article: H. O. Anwar Dr.-Ing. (1968): Vortices In A Viscous Fluid, Journal of Hydraulic
Research, 6:1, 1-14

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 VORTlCES iN A ViSCOUS FLUID
LE FLUIDE VISQUEUX E
ORANG.
Hydraulics Research Station, Ministry of Technology, Wallingford, England
Downloaded by [University of South Dakota] at 05:58 28 April 2013
Introduction
In many theoretical studies of vortex flow
occurring above an exhaust pipe, the assump-
tion has been made that the motion is laminar
[1,2,3,4]. Analyses based on this assump-
tion have produced useful results for under-
standing the performance of an ideal system,
however. The basis of this assumption is that
the layers in certain zones of the flow are
slowed down by viscosity. It has been shown
in some cases [5] that laminar motion can
occur in a region between the axis of sym-
metry and a radius approximately that of the
outlet.
In many experiments gas or water has been
used for the fluid. These liquids were used
both for convenience and the desirability of
visualizing the flow. It was considered of in-
terest to see whether the experimental results
obtained with these fluids are similar to those
for fluids of high viscosity. Consequently, the
experimental fluids used in the investigation
presented here were glycerol sol utions of var-
ious viscosities.
The experiments were carried out in a spe-
cially designed vortex chamber and tangential
velocities were measured in various horizontal
Paper received 7th December 1967.
ECOULEME T TOURBILLO A1RE
by
H. O. ANWAR
Introduction
L'ecoulement tourbillonnaire qui s'etablit au-
dessus d'une conduite d'evacuation a fait I'ob-
jet de nombreuses etudes theoriq ues fondees
sur I'hypothese d'un ecoulement laminaire
[1,2,3,4] et les resultats ainsi obtenus ont
perm is de mieux comprendre Ie comportment
d'un systeme ideal. Or, supposer Ie regime
laminaire revient a admettre que, dans cer-
taines regions de I'ecoulement, les couches de
f1uide sont ralenties par I'action de la viscosite
et, pour quelques cas particuliers [5], on a pu
effectivement demontrer qu'un mouvement
laminaire peut s'etablir dans une region cylin-
drique centree sur I'axe et dont Ie diametre est
sensiblement egal a celui de I'orifice d'evacua-
tion.
Lors d'etudes experimentales de ce pheno-
mene, on a generalement utilise soit des gaz,
soit de I'eau- car ces flu ides peu visqueux sont
d'une mise en oeuvre commode tout en per-
mettant une visualisation aisee des ecoule-
ments. Dans Ie travail que nous presentons ici,
nous nous sommes propose d'examiner Ie cas
de liquides de viscosite elevee afin de deter-
miner si ceux-ci se com portent comme les
fluides moins visqueux. A cette fin, nous avons
L'article re~u Ie 7 dcccmbrc 1967.
 2 Journal of Hydraulic Research / Journal de Recherches Hydrauliques 6 (1968) no. J
planes and at radii which were greater than
the radius of the outlet. The results of these
measurements have been compared with an
analysis based on the assumption of laminar
motion.
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Analysis
The following conditions will be assumed to
be satisfied by the vortex flow in a viscous
fluid:
(a) The fluid is incompressible.
(b) The motion is axis-symmetric and steady,
with no body forces.
(c) 0/00 = a;az = 0 i.e. the motion is inde-
pendent of angular and vertical position,
as has been confirmed by experiment for
the region where the axial velocity is zero.
It has been found experimentally that this
region occurs beyond the radius of the
outlet.
In cylindrical polar-coordinates r, z, 0, the
Navier-Stokeseq uation for the tangential com-
ponent of velocity with the above assumptions
is:
where
V r = the radial velocity
Vo = the tangential velocity
v = the kinematic viscosity of fluid.
Equation (I) will be made dimensionless by
introd ucing the following coefficients [5]:
and/et
choisi comme f1uides experimentaux des solu-
tions de glycerol de viscosites differentes.
Les essais furent effectues dans une cham-
bre tourbillonnaire specialement conc;ue. Les
vitesses tangentielles furent mesurees dans
plusieurs plans horizontaux et a des distances
a I'axe superieures au rayon de I'orifice d'eva-
cuation. Dans cet article, no us comparerons
les resultats obtenus avec les conclusions d'une
etude theorique effectuee en regime laminaire.
Etude theorique
On suppose que I'ecoulement satisfasse aux
conditions su ivantes:
(a) Ie fluide est incompressible;
(b) l'ecoulement est axi-symetrique, perma-
nent et ne fait pas intervenir des forces
d'inertie;
(c) 0/00 = a/az
= 0: autrement dit, on sup-
pose que Ie mouvement en un point donne
n'est pas fonction des coordonnees angu-
laire ou verticale. Cette condition a ete
confirmee par I'experience pour la zone ou
la vitesse axiale est nulle, cette zone etant
situee au-dela du rayon de I'orifice d'eva-
cuation.
Compte tenu de ces conditions, l'eq uation de
Navier-Stokes exprimant la composante tan-
gentielle de la vitesse s'ecrit, en cOOl'donnees
cylindriq ues:
(1)
au
Vr =la vitesse radiale
Vo =la vitesse tangentielle
=la viscosite cinematique du f1uide.
Pour rendre adimensionnelle I'equation (I),
on introduit les coefficients suivants [5]:
r = -
rr
roo
 Anwar / Vortices in a viscous fluid
where ro is a reference radius (defined later)
beyond which the circulation roo is constant
and rr is the circulation where equation (I) is
applicable.
Thus we can write:
in the above equation primes denote differen-
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tiation with respect to /1. The term vl( Vrr),
because of its form, will be called the radial
Reynolds number and is constant, i.e. vl( Vrr) =
vl( Vor o). The term Vrr = constant of the above
expression can be found by integrating the
equation of continuity subject to assumption
(c). Moreover:
v vh
- 20m - = constant/Cte
Q
where:
h = the height of the vortex chamber,
Q = the total flux entering the chamber,
('J. = a proportionality factor which will be
discussed later.
The right hand side of the above expression is
negative because the total flux Q enters in the
opposite direction to the radial velocity Vr •
Therefore equation (2) can be written in the
following form:
4A/1r" +
where A is a constant according to the above
explanation; subject to the following bound-
ary conditions:
reO) = 0 and/et reI) = I
The solution of equation (3) by applying the
boundary condition (4) can be given as:
3
ou ro est un rayon de reference (defini ci-des-
sous) au-dela duquel Ie vecteur circulation roo
demeure constant
et ou rr represente Ie vecteur circulation dans
Ie domaine d'application de I'equation (I).
Cette derniere peut ainsi s'ecrire:
(2)
les primes designant des derivees par rapport
a /1. En raison de sa forme, Ie terme vl(Vrr)sera
appele nombrede Reynolds radial. Ce terme est
constant, c'est a dire que: vl(Vrr) = vl(Voro).
On peut determiner Ie terme Vrr = Cte de
l'expression precedente en integrant I'equa-
tion de continuite tout en respectant la condi-
tion (c) ci-dessus. II convient de noter en outre
que:
ou:
h = hauteur de la chambre tourbillonnaire,
Q = flux total penetrant dans la chambre,
('J. = coefficient de proportionnalite (dont il
sera question plus loin).
Le second membre de I'expression ci-dessus
est negatif, car Ie flux total Q et la vitesse
radiale Vr sont de sens contraires. On peut
donc ecrire I'eq uation (2) sous la forme:
r = 0 (3)
A etant une constante, comme nous I'avons
vu, et les conditions aux limites etant:
(4)
La solution de !'equation (3), compte tenu des
conditions aux limites (4), peut s'ecrire:
 4 Journal oj Hydraulic Research / Journal de Recherches Hydrauliques 6 (1968)
where 0 > 1'/ > I.
The term:
1
4A
of the above equation decreases when the
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viscosity of the fluid increases and the expo-
nent of equation (5) becomes closer to unity
showing that the distribution of circulation
approaches that of a solid body rotation.
It is the purpose of the present investigation
to study the effect of various values of the
kinematic viscosity, v, upon the distribution
of circulation. This can be achieved, according
to equation (5) by varying the constant A =
rJ.rr(vh/Q), which, in turn, can be obtained by
varying the kinematic viscosity v when h/Q is
held constant. Moreover, it can be seen that
equation (5), subject to assumption (c), is
valid for a region where the axial velocity is
zero. It has been found experimentally that
this region lies beyond the radius of the outlet.
The motion in a region between the axis of
symmetry and a radius equal to that of the
outlet has been investigated elsewhere [5].
Experiments
It has been shown in many fields of engineer-
ing, and particularly in fluid mechanics, that
dimensionless analysis is a useful tool for
describing natural phenomena provided its
limitations are recognised. An attempt will
therefore be made in this section to apply
dimensional analysis to the problem of in-
vestigating vortices in laminar motion.
The determining features of the problem
are as follows:
(I) Distribution of circulation, r" at radius r.
/l0. 1
(5)
ou 0> 1'/ > I.
A mesure que la viscosite du f1uide s'eleve,
Ie terme
4rJ.rr(vh/Q)
decrolt et I'exposant de I'equation (5) se rap-
proche de I'unite, ce qui montre que la distri-
bution de la circulation tend vers celie affe-
rente a la rotation d'un corps solide.
Le present travail a ete con9u pour etudier
l'influence de la viscosite cinematique v sur la
distribution de la circulation. Comme Ie mon-
tre I'equation (5), on peut modifier cette dis-
tribution en faisant varier la valeur de A =
rJ.rr(vh/Q), c'est-a-dire, par exemple, en jouant
sur la viscosite cinematique v a h/Q constant.
On voit, de surcroi't, que l'equation (5) assu-
jettie a la condition (c) se veri fie pour une
region Oll la vitesse axiale est nulle. On a mon-
tre par I'experience que cette region se situe
au-dela du rayon de I'orifice d'evacuation.
Les caracteristiques de I'ecoulement dans I'es-
pace cyJindrique situe a I'interieur de ce rayon
on t deja ete etud iees [5].
Les experiences
L'analyse dimensionnelle, a condition que I'on
en reconnaisse les limitations, est une techni-
que tres utile pour decrire les phenomenes
naturels. Elle a fait ses preuves dans bien des
domaines scientifiques - et plus particuliere-
ment en Mecanique des f1uides - de sorte que
nous tenterons de I'appliquer maintenant au
probleme de I'ecoulement tourbillonnaire en
regime laminaire.
Les parametres qui interviennent dans ce
probleme sont les suivants:
 Anwar / Vortices in a viscous fluid
(2) Constant circulation, roo.
(3) The total flux, Q, entering the vortex
chamber.
(4) Radius fa, beyond which constant circula-
tion occurs.
(5) Physical properties of the experimental
fluid, such as viscosity.
(6) Geometry of experimental apparatus. This
refers to the height, h, and the diameter, D,
of the vortex chamber and the radius f e of
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exhaust pipe, although the latter, as men-
tioned before, has not a major effect upon
the present investigation, because we are
concerned with the motion in a region
where I' > f e .
Hence we can write:
(r" roo, Q,
Measurements show that the tangential veloc-
ities depend on the radius only (see experimen-
tal results), and therefore, the vertical coordi-
nate z does not appear in the above expression.
In the experimental set up, described below,
the total flux Q entered the vortex chamber
tangentially and vortices with various initial
circulations, rex"were produced by altering
the flux Q. Thus we can write the following
expression from the dimensional analysis:
rr
r = roo = f 11, vl/ h' h
As the experiments were carried out in a fixed
vortex chamber the diameter of the vortex
chamber could only affect the region of con-
stant circulation, because, in the case under
consideration the diameter, D, of the chamber
is taken to be larger than the radius fa. More-
over, it was found experimentally that the
radius fa, at which circulation is equal to roo
was the same throughout the experiments.
Thus expression (7) becomes:
5
(I) La distribution de la circulation rr au
rayon f.
(2) Circulation constante roo.
(3) Le flux total Q penetrant dans la chambre.
(4) Le rayon fa au-dela duquel la circulation
demeure constante.
(5) Les proprietes physiques du f1uide expe-
rimental, telles que la viscosite.
(6) La geometrie de I'appareil d'essais: hau-
teur h et diametre D de la chambre tour-
billonnaire; rayon f e de la conduite d'eva-
cuation (ce rayon, comme nous I'avons dit
plus haut, n'interviendra guere dans la
presente etude, qui s'interesse a I'ecoule-
ment dans la region OU I' > f e ).
Nous pouvons donc ecrire:
v, 11, D, ro, r) = 0 (6)
Nos resultats experimentaux montrent que
les vitesses tangentielles ne sont fonction que
d u seul rayon: la coordonnee verticale z ne
figure donc pas dans I'equation (6). Lors des
essais, Ie flux total Q penetrait tangentielle-
ment dans la chambre et des tourbillons posse-
dant des circulations initiales differentes fu-
rent produits en faisant varier Ie flux Q. L'ana-
lyse dimensionnelle conduit donc a I'expres-
sion suivante:
(Q t'o D)
(7)
Comme les essais furent executes dans une
chambre de dimensions constantes et comme
Ie diametre D adopte pour celle-ci fut supe-
rieur a la distance radiale fa, Ie parametre D
ne put influer que sur la region a circulation
constante. De surcroi't, les experiences ont
montre que Ie rayon fa pour lequella circula-
tion est egale a roo demeure constant d'un
essai a I'autre. Ainsi, I'expression (7) devient-
elle:
 6 Journal of Hydraulic Research / Journal de Recherches Hydrauliques 6 (1968) no. 1
which agrees with the theoretical approach
given before. Further, the theoretical ap-
proach showed that the non-dimensional cir-
culation, r,varies as a simple power of non-
dimensional radius 1'/, i.e.:
r =
Downloaded by [University of South Dakota] at 05:58 28 April 2013
where:
/1
4cm(vh/Q)
The exponent /1 is less than unity and is a
function of h, Q and v, so that by varying one
of these parameters, say v the kinematic vis-
cosity, we obtain a set of curves on I'/-r plot.
H is thus necessary to plot the measured cir-
culation against radius 1'/ to determine whether
such a relation between rand 1'/ exists. There-
after, in order to proceed with expression (8)
empirically, it is necessary to determine the
variation of the exponent of radius 1'/ with the
non-dimensional parameter given in expres-
sion (8).
Experimental apparatus
Test vortices were formed in a transparent
cylindrical tank of 8 in. internal diameter and
16 in. high. Glycerol solutions of various vis-
cosities l11.2, 19.6 and 40 CTS) were fed tan-
gentially into the tank. The tank had two
inlet nozzles of -} in. bore at the circumference,
positioned at opposite ends of a diameter. The
tank was provided with a central exhaust pipe
at its base of internal diameter 0.875 in. and
length 2 ft. The top end of the tank was closed
in order that vortices with various initial cir-
(8)
ce qui est en accord avec I'etude theorique
ci-dessus. L'analyse theorique indiquait, de
plus, que la circulation adimensionnelle est
fonction du rayon adimensionnel eleve a une
puissance simple:
1'/" (9)
ou:
L'exposant /1, fonction de h, Q et v, est infe-
rieur a l'unite, de sorte qu'en faisant varier
l'un des trois parametres precites, mettons v,
viscosite cinematique, il est possible d'obtenir
r
un abaque de courbes de en fonction de 1'/.
Pour determiner s'il existe une telle relation
r
entre et '1, il convient done de porter la cir-
culation mesuree en fonction du rayon 1'/. A
partir de la, I'elaboration empirique de I'ex-
pression (8) necessite la determination de la
fa~on dont I'exposant du rayon 1'/ varie en
fonction du parametre sans dimensions figu-
rant dans l'expression (8).
L'installation d'essais
Les tourbillons a etudier sont engendres dans
une cuve cylindrique transparente d'une hau-
teur de 40 em et d'un diametre interne de
20 em. Des solutions de glycerol de viscosites
differentes (11,2, 19,6 et 40cst.) penetrent
dans la cuve par deux entrees tangentielles de
12,5 mm, placees aux deux extremites d'un
diametre. La cuve est munie d'une conduite
d'evacuation situee dans I'axe. Cette conduite,
d'un diametre de 22 mm, est longue de 60 em.
La cuve est fermee a sa partie superieure pour
 Anwar / Vortices in II viscous fluid 7

ai r outlet
purge d'air'

window --l--t-==
fenctrc
~­
vortex chamber
chambrc tourbillonnairc
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lightbeam ~
falsccau lumineux I

nozzle
busc d'rnjcctton

volumetric discharge measuring tank

cuve de mesure de debit
container

tapwate r fo r coo ling ----&::=~r=====~~;;;;)

cau de rdroidissemcnt

to nozzles

pressure tappings-+l-~
prlscs de pression insulation
l~olation therm,que

cooling coil
serpcntin de
rcfroidlsscment

pompe copper cooling tank

draphragme cuve de rcfroldlsscmcnt

Layout of experimental apparatlls Fig. I. L'installation d'essais

 8 Journal of Hydraulic Research / Journal de Recherches Hydrauliques 6 (1968) no. 1
culation would be produced. The flux entering
the tank was measured by an orifice placed
between the glycerol container and the pump.
In addition, the total flow was checked vol u-
metrically after final discharge from the out-
let pipe (Fig. I). The nozzles were fed from
the pump and each of them was provided with
a pressure tapping to ensure a constant dis-
charge through the nozzles. Preliminary tests
showed that the temperature of the glycerol
solution rose during the test very rapidly. ]n
Downloaded by [University of South Dakota] at 05:58 28 April 2013
order to keep the temperature of the solution
constant, the glycerol container was therefore
placed in a water-cooled tank. Tap water at a
temperature of 57 of was run into the space
between the glycerol container and the tank,
and in addition a coil was placed inside the
glycerol container, fed with the tap water (see
Fig. J). With this arrangement the tempera-
ture of the glycerol sol utions were kept con-
stant at about 60 oF.
Tangential velocities were measured optical-
ly by means of minute air bubbles injected
into the nozzJes. These were illuminated by a
narrow light beam at a known radius and they
were observed as bright flashes in a telescope
when momentarily held stationary by a ro-
tating prism [6].
Fig. 2 shows the results of tangential
~ 0.35
~
° level above outlet
niveau au-dessus de la sortie
g 0.30 • level above outlet
'w ~ level above outlet
'"
~ 0.25 - --
'u
0.20
. '"
0.15
~~
0.10 ~
~g ~ 0
0.05 r--
0.00.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0
qu'il soit possible de creer des tourbillons
ayant des circulations initiales differentes. Le
debit entrant dans la chambre est mesure a
I'aide d'un diaphragme situe entre la pompe
et Je reservoir de glycerol. Au surplus, Ie debit
total sortant de la conduite d'evacuation est
contrale au moyen d'une cuve de mesure gra-
duee (fig. I). Les buses d'entree, alimentees
par pompe sont munies de prises de pression
qui permettent d'assurer un debit constant.
11 est apparu tres tat que la temperature du
glycerol s'elevait rapidement au cours d'une
mesure. Pour pallier cet inconvenient, Ie reser-
voir de glycerol fut place dans une cuve de
refroidissement, I'espace entre celle-ci et Ie
reservoir etant traverse par Ie debit d'une eau
de robinet a 14 °e. De surcrolt, un serpentin
a eau de robinet fut place a I'interieur du re-
servoir de glycerol. Grace a ces precautions,
la temperature des solutions de glycerol a pu
etre maintenue a environ 16°C.
Les vitesses tangentielles ont ete mesurees
par une methode optiq ue a I'aide de petites
bulles d'air injectees au travers des bu es. Les
bulles se trouvant a une distance radiale don-
nee etaient illuminees par un mince faisceau
lumineux: elles apparaissaient comme des
eclairs brillants lors qu'on les observait au
telescope et que I'on les maintenait momen-
tanement immobile au moyen d'un prisme
-- tournant [6].
3 in.
La figure 2 indique les resultats des mesures
7 in. de vitesses tangentielles faites a plusieurs ni-
10 in. ~
~'Q
11
--~
--
2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0
_ radius (in.) Fig. 2. Circulation at different levels
rayon (pouces) Variation de la circulation it differents niveaux
 Anwar / Vortices in a viscous fluid
velocity measurements obtained at various
levels and radii, indicating as mentioned be-
fore, that the tangential velocities were inde-
pendent of elevation, which confirms assump-
tion (c) made in the theoretical approach.
Results of measurements
Equation (5) shows that the distribution of
circulation should vary as a simple algebraic
function of the non-dimensional radius 11.
Downloaded by [University of South Dakota] at 05:58 28 April 2013
When the measured non-dimensional circula-
tions are plotted against the radius on double
logarithmic graph it is found that all profiles,
within the limits of experimental scatter, fall
on straight lines, which are shown on Fig. 3,
for kinematic viscosity v = 11.2, 19.6 and
40 CST. The relation between non-dimen-
sional circulation and radius is thus confirmed
as being:
r=
It will be noted that by definition of 1'0 and
/00 the equation must pass through the point
/ = I, 11 = I. Fig. 3 also shows that the ex-
ponent 11 of equation (9) is less than unity and
increases with increase of viscosity of the test
fluids. These results are in good agreement
with those predicted by the theoretical ap-
proach (see equation (5». The non-dimen-
sional parameter Q/( vh), as suggested from
dimensional analysis, has been evaluated and
the variations of the exponent with this para-
meter is shown in Fig. 4. This figure shows
that the exponent increases with decrease of
the non-dimensional parameter and the dis-
tribution of circulation approaches that of
solid body rotation (i.e. J, a, 11) when the
parameterQ/( vh)approaches zero. Thisasymp-
totic condition can be achieved either by an
increase of kinematic viscosity, v, or by an
increase of the height, h, without altering the
9
veaux et a pi usieurs distances radiales. Comme
nous I'avons dit plus haut, ces resultats de-
montrent que la vitesse tangentielle est inde-
pendante de I'elevation, ce qui confirme I'hy-
pothese (c) de I'analyse theorique.
Les resultats d'essais
Selon I'equation (5) de I'analyse theorique, la
distribution de la circulation est une fonction
simple du rayon sans dimensions '1. Lors
qu'on porte en coordonnees logarithmiques
les circulations adimensionnelles en fonction
du rayon, on obtient des droites, a la disper-
sion experimentale pres. Celles-ci sont tracees
sur la figure 3 pour les trois valeurs de la vis-
cosite cinematique v (11,2, j 9,6 et 40 cst.).
La relation (9) qui exprime la circulation adi-
mensionnelle en fonction d u rayon se trouve
ainsi confirmee:
11"
On notera que, d'apres les definitions de 1'0
et / OC' cette equation doit passer par Ie point
/ = I, 11 = I. La figure 3 montre egalement
que I'exposant 11 de I'equation (9) est inferieur
a I'unite et qu'il augmente quand la viscosite
des fluides s'accrolt. Ces conclusions sont en
bon accord avec les resultats de I'etude theo-
rique (voir I'equation (5». On a evalue Ie
parametre sans dimensions Q/(vh) ressortant
de I'analyse dimensionnelle; la fayon dont I'ex-
posant 11 varie en fonction de ce para metre est
indiquee figure 4. On voit que la valeur de
I'exposant augmente quand celie du para-
metre adimensionnel diminue et que la distri-
bution de la circulation tend vel's celie d'un
corps solide (c'est a dire: r, a, /1) lors que Ie
parametre Q/(vh) tend vel's zero. On peut s'ap-
procher de ces conditions limites en augmen-
tant soit la viscosite cinematique v, soit la
hauteur II sans modifier Ie flux total Q. L'exa-
 }O Joumal of Hydraulic Research / Journal de Recherches Hydrauliques 6 (/968) no. /

~ 1.0
0.9

I 0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5 f - - - - - - - - ! - - - - - ! - - - - -----+ -r-~J-I--+-

0.4 i L 1- 1

0.3 -, - - .-l---t-1--t--
I

- -
Downloaded by [University of South Dakota] at 05:58 28 April 2013

0.2 kinematic viscosity v = 40 cst

ViSCoslte cincrnatiquc

o Q/vh=47.1
f) Q/ vh = 41

• Q/vh=32.4
0.1 L- ---L_ _L-~_::_:_--'-~--,-L-::_l_:_..L.!:___:_---~--'-----____:_'___,__--'-~__'_::_'_:_~
0.01 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0
-'YJ

~16:~
0.8
---- ---+----+---l----+---+-I-Ol.-:+~

0.7
0.6
0.51------ -+-

0.4
kinematic viscosity v = 19.6 cst
0.3 viscositc cincmatiquc

r='YJ°~5 0 Qlvh=71.6
r='YJ° 56 I • Q/vh=59
0.2 "'=:--:----."-L;:=----L..---;"'=..,..-l~~~'_::;_;!;_+.____--__,;~-~-____,,_'_.,_____--'--.,,.....,~~..._...,.J
0.01 0.02 0.04 0.06 0.0801 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0
-'YJ

~r 0.8
b:~- L
0.7
0.6 • I
0.5
0.4 L
kinematic viscosity v = 11.2 cst
0.3
r ~ 'YJ 0.33 _ vrSCOSllC clI1crnatlquc

r= 'YJ 037 Q/vh=134 0

Qlvh =110 f)
r= 'YJ0t.! • Q/vh = 77
0.2 ....",.."---~~---L..---;~..,..---1~--,,,...,~ld+,-----------.,,"""~~-~-,-----~~~""""'~
0.01 0.02 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0
-'YJ

Measured distribution of circulation Fig. 3. Distribution de circulation mesuree

 Anwar / Vortices in a viscolls fluid
total flux Q. The above conclusion can also be
seen from equation (5), where the constant A
increases by reason of an increase in viscosity
of the test fluid or the height, h, and, con-
sequently, the exponent of equation (5) ap-
proaches unity. Furthermore, Fig. 4 shows
c 1.0
- - - - experimental
experience
0.9 - - - - - - theoretical
1 theorie
0.8
Downloaded by [University of South Dakota] at 05:58 28 April 2013
0.7 -
0.6 -
0.5 - -
0.4 -
0.3-
0.2
0 5 10
- - _ . 1O-1 Q/:vh
Fig. 4. Variation of non-dimensional parameter Q/(vh)
with exponent 11
Variation du parametre sans dimensions Q/(Iih)
en fonction de !'exposant 11
that the exponent t1 approaches zero with in-
crease of the parameter Q/(vh). I n this case
equation (9) shows that the distribution of
circulation approaches that of an inviscid
fluid, i.e. r
= const. This result can be ob-
tained from equation (2) in which the first
term on the left hand side of the equation
approaches zero for a fluid of low viscosity.
In the theoretical approach we have intro-
duced the proportionality factor, CI., which is
the ratio between the total flux Q entering the
vortex chamber and the sum of the radial flow
within the body of the vortex (i.e. CI. = Q/q).
This means that the radial flux q flows through
the body of vortex and the rest (i.e. Q-q)
flows along the rigid boundaries. This in fact
11
men de I'equation (5) permet d'aboutir a la
meme conclusion: en augmentant ou la visco-
site ou la hauteur h, la valeur de la constante A
s'eleve I'exposant de I'equation (5) tend en
consequence vers I'unite. De plus, la figure 4
montre que I'exposant t1 tend vers zero quand
Q/( vh) s'accroi't. Dans ce cas, I'equation (9)
indique que la distribution de la circulation
tend vers celie d'un fluide non-visqueux, c'est
r
a dire: = Cte. Ce meme resultat ressort
egalement de I'equation (2), dont Ie premier
terme du premier membre tend a s'annuler
pour les f1uides de faible viscosite.
Dans I'analyse theorique, nous avons intro-
duit Ie facteur de proportionnalite CI., qui est
defini comme etant Ie rapport entre Ie flux
total Q entrant dans la chambre tourbillon-
naire et la somme des flux radiaux au sein du
tourbillon: CI. = Q/q. Cela signifie que Ie flux
radial q passe au sein du tourbillon et que Ie
flux residuel (= Q-q) longe les parois rigides.
15 Les experiences ont pu mettre en evidence ce
phenomene, grace a un faisceau lumineux
d'une epaisseur de 2 mm qui servait a eclairer
une suspension de bulles d'air de 50 a 100
microns que I'on avait introduit dans Ie tour-
billon. En plus de I'ecoulement radial au sein
du tourbillon, on a egalement observe un
ecoulement radial dans deux couches, cha-
cune epaisse de 5 mm, au sommet et sur Ie
fond de la chambre. La vitesse radiale au sein
du tourbillon etait trop faible pour etre aise-
ment mesuree, mais la vitesse radiale mesuree
dans les couches au voisinage des parois rigi-
des etait nettement superieure ala vitesse dans
Ie coeur du tourbillon. Figure 5 nous donne
les resultats de ces mesures, lesquels ont servi
a calculer Ie facteur de proportionnalite CI. pour
diverses valeurs de Q/(vh). On voit que CI. aug-
mente avec Q/(vh), ce qui signifie que Ie flux
radial au sein du tourbillon s'annule lorsque
la viscosite cinematique v s'identifie a zero et
que Ie mouvement du tourbillon tend vers
 12 Journal of Hydraulic Research / Journal de Recherches Hydrauliqlles 6 (/968) no. J

has been observed experimentally by means

of a beam of light 0.08 in. thick projected into
the vortex chamber to illuminate a suspension
of air bubbles of size range 50-100 ~ intro-
duced into the flow. In addition to the radial
15 -
flow within the body of vortex, radial flow
was also observed in two layers each about
0.2 in. thick at the top and the bottom of the

••
chamber. The radial velocity in the body of
vortex was too low to be measured satisfac- 10
torily, but the radial velocity measured in the
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layers close to the rigid boundaries was much

higher than the velocity in the body of the
vortex. The results of these measurements 50~----5"""-----1,.L;0-------,.J15
from which the proportionality factor a. has - - _ , 10-1 Qlvh
been evaluated for various non-dimensional
parameters Q/(vh) are given in Fig. 5. This Fig. 5. Variation of u-value with non-dimensional
parameter Q/(1i h)
figure shows that the value of a. increases with Variation de a en fonction du parametre sans
increase of Q/(vh). This implies that there is no dimensions Q/(I!h)
radial flow within the body of vortex when
the kinematic viscosity v becomes zero and the
motion in the vortex approaches that of a
classical vortex tube [6]. celui d'une tube tourbillonnaire classique [6].
The exponent L'exposant

n=1
4a.n: (vh / Q)

has been evaluated from the a.-curve in Fig. 5
and the results of this calculation is shown in
Fig. 4 for comparison, which shows that the
agreement between calculation and measure-
ment is satisfactory. Fig. 4 further shows that
the theoretical and the experimental curve of
the exponent n increases with increase in vis-
cosity of the test fluid.
A good agreement between theory and ex-
periment can be obtained also when the initial
circulation, r "" is not too high. Unfortunately
the experimental set up was not suitable for
vortices with a very low initial circulation.
a ete determine a partir de la figure 5. Les
resultats de ce calcul sont indiques sur la
figure 4, ce qui nous permet de constater que
calculs et mesures s'accordent de fayon satis-
faisante. La figure 4 montre egalement que n
s'accrolt quand la viscosite du fluide aug-
mente.
Lors que la circulation initiale roo n'est pas
trop importante, il y a egalement un bon
accord entre theorie et experience. Malheu-
reusement les conditions d'essai ne permirent
pas I'obtention de tourbillons ayant une tres
faible circulation initiale.
 Anwar / Vortices in a viscolls fluid
Summary
[n order to check the theoretical conclusions
based on the assumption that the motion in a
vortex flow is laminar, vortices were produced
using glycerol as a test ftuid with three dif-
ferent kinematic viscosities.
The distribution of circulation was mea-
sured across the vortex chamber at various
levels. It was found that the circulation is a
function of the radius only.
Downloaded by [University of South Dakota] at 05:58 28 April 2013
It was shown theoretically and confirmed
experimentally that the distribution ofcircula-
tion varies as a simple power, 11, of the radius
and that the power is less than unity. It was
found that for kinematic viscosities between
11.2 and 40 CST the power varied between
0.334 and 0.725. This was in good agreement
with the theoretical approach within the lim-
itation of the experiments.
The power 11 thus increased with increase in
kinematic viscosity of the test fluid and the
distribution of circulation in a viscous vortex
must therefore approach that of a solid body
rotation for a fluid of high viscosity.
Acknowledgements
The work described herein was conducted as
part of a research programme of the Hydrau-
lics Research Station of the Ministry of Tech-
nology, and the paper is published by permis-
sion of the Director of Hydraulic Research.
The writer wishes to express his thanks to
Messrs. J. A. WELLER and R. J. C. BONN for
their careful experimental work.
/3
Resume
Pour verifier les conclusions d'une analyse
theorique fondee sur I'hypothese d'un ecoule-
ment tourbillonnaire laminaire, des tourbil-
Ions ont ete etudies experimentalement dans
une chambre contenant des solutions de gly-
cerol de viscosites cinematiques differentes.
On a mesure la distribution de la circula-
tion a plusieurs niveaux dans la chambre et a
differentes distances radiales. On a constate
que la circulation n'est fonction que de la
seule distance radiale.
La theorie prevoit - et I'experience I'a con-
firme - que la distribution de la circulation est
egale au rayon eleve a une puissance 11 qui est
inferieure a I'unite. Pour des viscosites cine-
matiques comprises entre 11,2 et 40 cst., I'ex-
posant 11 varie entre 0,334 et 0,725. Ces valeurs
sont en bon accord avec I'analyse theorique,
compte tenu des limites de ['experimentation.
Comme I'exposant 11 augmente avec la vis-
cosite cinematique, la distribution de la cir-
culation dans un tourbillon visqueux doit ten-
dre vers celie d'un corps solide en rotation a
mesure que la viscosite du fluide s'eleve.
Remerciements
Ce travail fait partie d'un programme de re-
cherches actuellement en COllfS a la Hydrau-
lics Research Station du Ministere de la Tech-
nologie de Grande-Bretagne. L'auteur remer-
cie M. Ie Directeur des Recherches d'en avoir
bien voulu autoriser la publication, ainsi que
MM. J. A. WELLER et R. J. C. BONN pour
la far;on soignee dont ils ont mene les travaux
experimentaux.
 14 Journal of Hydraulic Research / Journal de Recherches Hydrauliques 6 (1968) no. 1

otations
Radial Reynolds number
Diameter of the vortex chamber
Height of the vortex chamber
Total flux entering the vortex chamber
Sum of radial flow within the body of
vortex
Radius measured from the axis of sym-
metry
Radius beyond which circulation IS
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_ --,
A Nombre de Reynolds radial
D Diametre de la chambre tourbillonnaire
h Hauteur de la chambre tourbillonnaire
Q Flux total penetrant dans la chambre
q Somme des flux radiaux au sein du tour-
billon
, Rayon (mesure a partir de l'axe de
symetrie)
'0 Rayon au-dela duquel la circulation

constant demeure constante

Cylindrical polar coordinates " e, Z Coordonnees cylindriques
Radius of the exhaust pipe 'e Rayon de la conduite d'evacuation
Radial velocity V, Vitesse radiale
Tangential veloctty Vo Vitesse tangentielle
Ratio of the total flux to the sum of r:t Rapport du flux total a la somme des
radial flux within the body of vortex flux radiaux au sein du tourbillon
Non-dimensional circulation 1 Vecteur circulation, sans dimensions
Circulation at any radius, 1, Vecteur circulation au rayon,
Constant circulation where, > '0 1 00 Vecteur circulation pour, > "0
Non-dimensional radius YJ Rayon sans dimensions
Kinematic viscosity of the test fluid v Viscosite cinematique du fluide d'essai

References Bibliographies

I. LONG, R. R., Vortex motion in a viscous fluid. Journal of Meteorology, Vol. 15, 1958.
2. Lo G, R. R., A vortex in an infinite viscous fluid. Journal of Fluid Mech. II. 1961,611.
3. DERGARABEDIAN, P., The behaviour of vortex motion in an emptying container. Proc., Heat Transfer and
Fluid Mech. Institute, 1960.
4. ROTI, N., On the viscous core of a line vortex. Z.A.M.P. Vol. IXb, 1958.
5. ANWAR, H. 0., Formation of a weak vortex. Journal of Hydraulic Research, Vol. 4, No. I, 1966.
6. ANWAR, H. 0., Flow in a free vortex. Water Power April 1965.