Updated 8/9/06

Orifice and Free Jet Flow

Experiment
For this experiment, you will need the Orifice and Free Jet Flow module and
graph paper.

Figure 1: Orifice and Free Jet Flow

Module

Figure 2: Orifice and Jet Apparatus

Procedure
1. Obtain the Orifice and Free Jet Flow module from the 2B60 module
storage bay.

2. Place the Orifice and Free Jet module on one of the Hydraulics benches
found on the 2B level of the ITL near the door of the Machining Studio
with the head tank on your left side.

3. Ensure that the green hose on the left is tightly secured to the head
tank and drains into the bench.

4. Connect the inlet quick release connector (the hose attached to the
base of the head tank) to the inlet in the bench basin by pushing down
on the ring, inserting the hose, and releasing the ring. Be sure the
connection has locked and the ball bearings are not visible (it may take
some force to ensure the connection is secure).

5. Secure the smallest orifice plate with O-rings to the head tank using
the thumb screws.
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Updated 8/9/06

Figure 3: Thumb Screw and Orifice Plate

6. Take two pieces of graph paper and tape them together so that they
are at least 17 long. Place them on the backboard and secure it in
place with the clip. Raise the needles to clear a path for a water jet by
adjusting the thumb screws.

7. Make sure the rubber stop between the overflow tank and the head
tank is removed and set aside (do not lose it!).

8. Verify that the main control flow valve is completely shut (Turned all
the way clockwise)

9. Turn the motor switch ON. Confirm pump operation by listening to the
motor.

Motor Switch

Main Control Valve

Figure 4: Motor Switch & Main Control Valve

10.
Slowly open the main control flow valve on the Hydraulics
Bench. The head tank should fill with water.
11.
Once the level in the head tank reaches the overflow pipe,
adjust the main control flow valve until the level in the head tank
stays constant.
12.
Record the head height using the scale on the side of the
head tank.

Updated 8/9/06
13.
Ensure that the water jet being emitted from the orifice
coincides with the row of measuring needles. If not, level the
apparatus using the adjustable feet and the level at the base of
the head tank.
14.
Take note of the Vena Contracta (the most reduced
diameter of the jet stream). Is the cross sectional area of the jet
of water coming out of the orifice the same as the area of the
orifice? Estimate whether or not the coefficient of contraction Cc
is close to unity.
15.
Adjust each of the needles in turn to determine the jet
path, marking the position of the tops of the needles on the
sheet of paper on the backboard. The vertical difference between
the top of the needle that lines up with the orifice and the top of
the needle that you are experimentally measuring is your y
value. Your x value is simply the horizontal distance between the
orifice and each needle.
16.
Repeat for 3 more different head heights. Replace the
rubber stopper and carefully adjust the flow so the water level in
the head tank is steady for each of your different head heights.
BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVERFLOW THE HEAD TANK. Record the
head level using the scale on the side of the head tank.
17.

Repeat for the other orifice plates.

18.
At the end of your experiment, turn the main control flow
valve of the Hydraulics Bench OFF.
19.

Turn OFF the pump motor.

20.
Carefully disconnect the inlet quick release connector to
the Orifice and Jet Apparatus and empty the water from the tube
and the head tank into the bench.
21.
Clean up any water that may have spilled onto the floor or
on the bench.
22.

Return the module.

*Note for Instructors: Procedure and theory to determine the coefficient

of discharge and coefficient of contraction can be found in Emptying of
a Tank by an Orifice.
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