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Study of Free and Forced Vortices

This report investigates free and forced vortices through experiments and image analysis, focusing on the surface profiles of rotating water. The forced vortex exhibited a parabolic surface profile, while the free vortex showed a funnel shape with velocity inversely proportional to radius. The findings confirmed theoretical predictions and demonstrated the effectiveness of image analysis in validating experimental results.

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12 views2 pages

Study of Free and Forced Vortices

This report investigates free and forced vortices through experiments and image analysis, focusing on the surface profiles of rotating water. The forced vortex exhibited a parabolic surface profile, while the free vortex showed a funnel shape with velocity inversely proportional to radius. The findings confirmed theoretical predictions and demonstrated the effectiveness of image analysis in validating experimental results.

Uploaded by

hridikgaikwad13
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Report on Free and Forced Vortices

Introduction
This report presents the study of free and forced vortices through experiment and image
analysis. The objective is to understand the surface profile of water in rotation and compare
theoretical, experimental, and image-derived results.

Theory of Forced Vortex


In a forced vortex, all fluid particles rotate with the same angular velocity, similar to a solid
body. The surface profile is parabolic and given by:

z = (ω² * r²) / (2g)

where ω is angular velocity, r is radial distance, and g is acceleration due to gravity.

Theory of Free Vortex


In a free vortex, there is no external torque; the tangential velocity varies inversely with
radius:

Vθ ∝ 1/r

The surface profile resembles a funnel, with depth decreasing as radius increases.

Experimental Setup
The experimental setup consists of a cylindrical tank filled with water. For the forced
vortex, the tank is rotated uniformly using a motor, and the rise in water level at different
radii is measured. For the free vortex, water is allowed to drain from the bottom, creating a
funnel-shaped surface profile.

Image Analysis
Images of the vortex were processed to extract the surface profile. Using pixel coordinates
(x, y) and a reference length, the surface heights were converted from pixel units to
centimeters.

Pixel to cm Conversion
To convert image pixels to real dimensions, the following method is used:

1. Select two reference points (x1, y1) and (x2, y2).


2. Measure their pixel distance:
d_px = sqrt((x2 - x1)^2 + (y2 - y1)^2)
3. If the real length is L_cm, scale factor is:
s = L_cm / d_px (cm/px)
4. Convert coordinates:
X_cm = (x - x0) * s
Y_cm = (y0 - y) * s

Observations and Results


The experimental results of the forced vortex confirmed the parabolic profile. The free
vortex produced a funnel-shaped depression, with velocity inversely proportional to radius.
The image analysis results were in close agreement with the experimental data after
applying pixel-to-cm conversion.

Conclusion
The study successfully demonstrated the formation of free and forced vortices. Forced
vortex behavior followed solid body rotation with a parabolic surface, while free vortex
flow exhibited 1/r velocity distribution. Image analysis proved to be an effective tool to
validate the experimental results.

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