MELab

Experiment title: Dispersion of a free non-buoyant fluid jet

Objective of the experiment:

To explore the dispersion of a free non-buoyant fluid jet by determining the velocity distribution in the jet at different distances from the
center of the orifice by calculating:

a.) The discharge

b.) The momentum flux
c.) The kinetic energy flux

Equipment set-up:

Summary of theory:

When a free non-buoyant jet is established, it can be shown that the jet dispersion pattern is geometrically and kinematically similar.
This experiment allows the structure of this form of fluid to be determined from traversing of velocity of an air jet using a total energy tube.

Figure 1. Turbulent shear layer

1 DISPERSION OF A FREE NON-BUOYANT FLUID JET

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Because the jet dispersion mechanism is essentially one of turbulent mixing at a free shear layer, the flow being investigated will be
highly turbulent (Fig. 1). Point velocities therefore will vary with time, especially near the edges of the jet, and mean velocity values can only be
obtained if the movement of the manometer fluid column is damped either by partial pinching of the connecting tubes using the clamps
provided, or by friction in long tube lengths.

The circular jet may well not be perfectly symmetrical and a further averaging process can be introduced.

Figure 2. Cross sectional velocity point readings

A free non-buoyant jet can be considered as consisting of a series of concentric annuli, of which a typical one radius r and width r, is shown. The
velocity measurements are made across the jet along two perpendicular axis (Y and Z). In this way, four velocity values are obtained at 1, 2, 3
and, 4 (Fig. 2) which are ideally the same. If however the crossing of the axis is not exactly at the center of the jet, the values at 1, 2, 3 and 4 will
vary slightly. To avoid this problem, the four corresponding velocity values should be averaged and a single velocity profile plotted as in Fig. 2.
To do this, it is necessary to take velocity readings equidistant from the axis origin. If this is not done then all velocity values must be plotted as
points on Fig. 2 (r values relative to the axis crossing values of Y and Z) and the best fit curve drawn through the four sets of points by eye.

JET DISCHARGE

The discharge (volume/second) value of the jet can now be obtained by using the following formula and the data obtained.

Discharge through a single point in annulus : Q = 2 r r. v (1)

Total Discharge : Q = 2 r. v. r = 2 (rv r)

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JET MOMENTUM

The linear momentum possessed by the free air jet at any cross-section can be determined from the same velocity traverses used to determine
discharge in JET DISCHARGE.

Momentum through a single point in annulus : M = 2rv2r (2)

For the whole jet momentum : M = 2 (rv2r)

JET KINETIC ENERGY

The jet kinetic energy based on mean velocity distributions may be determined for those cross-sections for which velocity data is available.

Energy flux through a single point in annulus : E = mass flow rate x velocity2 = (rv3r) (3)

Energy flux through the whole jet : E = (rv3r)

Experimental procedure:

1.) Select three or more cross-sections of the jet well-spaced along its axial length.
2.) The cross-section closest to the orifice will be fixed by the need to accommodate the total head on the jet center line (point of maximum
velocity) within the range of the manometer provided.
3.) Determine the jet axis or center at each cross-section selected by moving the total head tube through the center of the jet and stopping it
at the point where the highest manometer reading is obtained.
4.) Repeat processes 2 and 3 a couple of times traversing alternatively in the horizontal and vertical directions, the jet axis will soon be
located.
5.) Do not assume that the center of the jet occurs at the same y and z values at each cross-section as it may be inclined in either the vertical
or horizontal plane.
6.) When the y and z coordinates of the point of maximum velocity have been located, traverse the total head tube through this point
recording the position and the manometer liquid levels at each point.
7.) Enough velocity points must be taken to ensure a clearly defined velocity profile.
8.) Pay particular attention to the edges of the jet continuing to take velocity readings until well clear of the mixing zone (point where
atmospheric pressure is reached) at each section.

3 DISPERSION OF A FREE NON-BUOYANT FLUID JET

 MELab
Experiment Title: Dispersion of a free non-buoyant fluid jet

Radius of the orifice = ___________

Distance, x v1 (m/s) v2 (m/s) v3 (m/s) v4 (m/s)

(m)

Distance, x r1 (m) r 2 (m) r 3 (m) r 4 (m)

(m)

Distance, x v (m/s) r (m) Q (m3/s) M (kg.s) E (J)

(m)

4 DISPERSION OF A FREE NON-BUOYANT FLUID JET

 MELab
Experiment Title: Dispersion of a free non-buoyant fluid jet

Radius of the orifice = ___________

Distance, x v1 (m/s) v2 (m/s) v3 (m/s) v4 (m/s)

(m)

Distance, x r1 (m) r 2 (m) r 3 (m) r 4 (m)

(m)

Distance, x v (m/s) r (m) Q (m3/s) M (kg.s) E (J)

(m)

5 DISPERSION OF A FREE NON-BUOYANT FLUID JET