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Study on Vortex Formation in the Pouring Basin by Direct Observation


J. Runyoro

Abstract

Although the formation of vortex on the free surface of liquid draining from a container is often observed, relatively little is known about the phenomenon. When a liquid is drained from a container such as a bathtub through a bottom orifice, a dip on the surface known as vortex is formed. The vortex first appears as a small dimple in the free surface, which suddenly forms a cone-shaped hole. The vortex causes turbulences, which draws in air down into the orifice (drain). Generally, the issue of vortex formation is so common in our lives that possibly its occurrence seems to be taken for granted and this is, perhaps why the subject has received relatively little scientific attention. Mathematically a derivation is known but it does not take into consideration variables such as shape and size of the container or the draining orifice. Experiments were carried out using containers of different shapes and sizes, orifices of different shapes and sizes placed at different points in the container. The minimum head in the container that prevents the formation of vortex has been determined and is the function of container and orifice geometry.


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eISSN: 2619-8789
print ISSN: 1821-536X