Hydrodynamic Force Exerted

by a Free Jet

Abstract:

The following experiment verifies the linear momentum principle by comparing the

hydrodynamic force of a free jet and comparing it to weights placed on the Armfield apparatus.

There are two potential sources of error. One error may occur from the measurement of the

volumetric flow rate. The other source of error is possible due to friction from the spring coil of

the apparatus with the platform rod.

Introduction:

In this experiment we are looking to verify the linear momentum principle. In particular

we are observing a vertical liquid jet deflecting off of a vane. The force from the liquid jet is

balanced by placing masses on a tray on the Armfield Free Jet apparatus.

𝑄
Equation 1: 𝜌𝑄𝑉(1 − cos 𝜃) = 𝜌𝐴(1 − cos 𝜃)( )2
𝐴
 Equation 1 describes the hydrodynamic force exerted by the free jet on the vane. 𝜌 is the

liquid density in kg/m3, Q is the flow rate given in m3/s, 𝜃 is the deflection angle of the vane in

degrees and lastly A is the area of the nozzle in m2.

Objectives:

The objective of this experiment is to verify the linear momentum principle. This is done

by balancing the hydrodynamic force of the free jet with masses on a tray. Additionally, we

would like to determine a power relation from our experimental results and compare it with the

theoretical formulation of Equation 1.

Equipment:

 Armfield Hydraulic Bench

 Armfield Hydrodynamic Force Apparatus

 Weighted masses

 Timer

Procedure:

1. Install the 45 degree deflection vane at the shaft of the platform.

2. The weight of the platform and vane are now in equilibrium. Set the pointer at the

equilibrium position.

3. Turn the control valve of the hydraulic bench and choose a low flow rate.

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 4. Next balance the displaced platform with weights so that it returns to its equilibrium

position.

5. Record the total weight used to balance the platform.

6. Also record the volume flow rate using the hydraulic bench indicator and timer.

7. Repeat the above steps with a medium and high flow rate.

8. Do all of the above steps using a 135 and 180 degree deflection vane.

Sample Calculations:

The following is a sample calculation for the 180 degree vane deflector.

𝑄 2
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝐻𝑦𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑦𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑐 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 = 𝜌𝐴(1 − cos 𝜃) ( )
𝐴
2
1.97 ∗ 10−4
= (1000)(5 ∗ 10^ − 4)(1 − cos 180) ( ) = 1.54 𝑁
5 ∗ 10−4
𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝐻𝑦𝑑𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑦𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑖𝑐 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 = 𝑚𝑔 = (. 150)(9.8) = 1.47 𝑁
ρ is the liquid water density measured in kg per cubic meter. A is the area of the nozzle. 𝜃 is the

vane deflection angle in degrees. And Q is the volumetric flow rate. Above we see that both the

measured and theoretical values are close to one another. The measured force is calculated by

using the mass of the weights placed on the apparatus and calculating their force.

Results:

Table I: Data taken for vane deflection angle of 180⁰. The mass used to balance the
hydrodynamic force is m in grams. Q is the volume flow rate in cubic meters per second. The
measured force is calculated from the balancing mass m and has units of N. The theoretical force
is calculated using Equation 1 and has units of N.

Balancing ∆Volume Measured Force Theoretical Force

∆t (s) Q (m3/s)
Mass m(g) (L) (N) (N)

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 110 3 19.46 1.54E-04 1.078 9.46E-01
150 5 25.40 1.97E-04 1.47 1.54E+00
200 5 18.70 2.67E-04 1.96 2.84E+00

Table II: Data taken for vane deflection angle of 135⁰. The mass used to balance the
hydrodynamic force is m in grams. Q is the volume flow rate in cubic meters per second. The
measured force is calculated from the balancing mass m and has units of N. The theoretical force
is calculated using Equation 1 and has units of N.

Balancing ∆Volume Measured Force Theoretical Force

∆t (s) Q (m3/s)
Mass m(g) (L) (N) (N)
40 5 34.25 1.46E-04 0.392 7.24E-01
100 5 21.19 2.36E-04 0.98 1.89E+00
200 5 17.59 2.84E-04 1.96 2.74E+00

Table III: Data taken for vane deflection angle of 45⁰. The mass used to balance the
hydrodynamic force is m in grams. Q is the volume flow rate in cubic meters per second. The
measured force is calculated from the balancing mass m and has units of N. The theoretical force
is calculated using Equation 1 and has units of N.

Balancing ∆Volume Measured Force Theoretical Force

∆t (s) Q (m3/s)
Mass m(g) (L) (N) (N)
50 5 15.16 3.30E-04 0.49 6.34E-01
60 5 13.25 3.77E-04 0.588 8.30E-01
75 5 12.17 4.11E-04 0.735 9.84E-01

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Figure 1: The above graphs plot the hydrodynamic force exerted by the free jet versus the associated jet
velocity. A, B and C are graphs represent the 180 degree, 135 degree and 45 degree vanes, respectively.
Additionally, the associated power function for the measured and theoretical force are shown. Orange
represent the theoretical value and blue represent the experimental values.

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Discussion:

According to the results of our experiment, the linear momentum principle was proved.

The measured and theoretical values of hydrodynamic force fit closely with one another. The

accuracy of the theory can be seen in the graphs of figure 1. Our theoretical values are

represented by a square power function. The measured hydrodynamic force values are have

power function that are less steep than that of the theoretical values. One possible source of error

is the spring coil in the apparatus. It is necessary to tap the apparatus so that the coil does not

catch against the platform rod. Additionally, there is a possible source of error in the calculation

of the volumetric flow rate. It may be that the flowmeter of the hydraulic bench is not calibrated

correctly or also that the timing was inaccurate.

Conclusion:

In conclusion our experimental values match closely enough with the theoretical values

to say that the linear momentum principle has been verified. It can be seen in the graphs of figure

1 that the hydrodynamic force increases as the flow rate is increased. This matches our intuitive

thinking. Improvements can be made in determining the volumetric flow rate by ensuring that

the hydraulic bench is calibrated and that a more precise timer is used. Additionally, friction

from the spring coil and the platform rod should be reduced to produce more accurate results.

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References:
[1] F. M. White, Fluid Mechanics, McGraw Hill, 2011.

[2] Armfield, Impact of a Jet Instructional Manual, 2012.