armfield

Hydrostatic Pressure Apparatus

Instruction Manual
Fl-12

ISSUE 9

February 2013
 Table of Contents
Copyright and Trademarks
Generat Overview

Equipment Diagrams
Important Safety Information

Introduction

Water Borne Hazards

Electrical Safety
Description
Overview
Balance arm, weight hanger and counterbalance
Clear acrylic flotation tank
Water supply and drainage
Installation

Advisory
Installing the Equipment
Operation
Operating the Equipment
Equipment Specifications
11 Environmental Conditions
11 Routine Maintenance
12 Responsibility
12

General
Laboratory Teaching Exercises 13
Index to Exercises 13
Nomenclature 13

Exercise A 15

Operating the Optional Software (F 1-301 ) 22

Contact Details for Further Information 29

ii
 Disclaimer
This document and all the information contained within it is proprietary to
Armfield Limited. This document must not be used for any purpose other than
that for which it is supplied and its contents must not be reproduced, modified,
adapted, published, translated or disclosed to any third party, in whole or in part,
without the prior written permission of Armfield Limited.
Should you have any queries or comments, please contact the Armfield
Customer Support helpdesk (Monday to Thursday: 0830 — 1730 and Friday:
0830 - 1300 UK time). Contact details are as follows:
United Kingdom International
(0) 1425 478781 +44 (0) 1425 478781
(calls charged at local rate) (international rates apply)

Email: support@armfield.co.uk

Fax: +44 (0) 1425 470916

Copyright and Trademarks
Copyright@ 2013 Armfield Limited. Ail rights reserved.
Any technicai documentation made available by Armfield Limited is the copyright
work of Armfield Limited and wholly owned by Armfieid Limited.

Brands and product names mentioned in this manual may be trademarks or

registered trademarks of their respective companies and are hereby
acknowledged.

General Overview
Fluid mechanics has developed as an analytical discipline from the application of
the classical laws of statics, dynamics and thermodynamics, to situations in
which fluids can be treated as continuous media. The particular laws involved
are those of the conservation of mass, energy and momentum and, in each
application, these laws may be simplified in an attempt to describe
quantitatively the behaviour of the fluid.
The Hydraulics Bench Description service module, F-1-10, provides the
necessary facilities to support a comprehensive range of hydraulic models
each of which is designed to demonstrate a particular aspect of hydraulic
theory.
The specific hydraulic model that we are concerned with for this experiment is
the Hydrostatic Pressure Apparatus, Fl-12. A full description of the apparatus
is given later in these texts.

1
Equipment Diagrams

Balance Arm

Level

Counterbalance

Weight

Splrtt Valve

Clamplng Screw Knife Edge Pivot

Adjustable Feet Quadrant

Figure 1: Fl•12 Hydrostatic Pressure Apparatus

2
Important Safety Information
Introduction
All practical work areas and laboratories should be covered by local safety
regulations which must be followed at all times.
It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that all users are made aware of
relevant local regulations, and that the apparatus is operated in accordance with
those regulations. If requested then Armfield can supply a typical set of standard
laboratory safety rules, but these are guidelines only and should be modified as
required. Supervision of users should be provided whenever appropriate.
Your Fl-12 Hydrostatic Pressure apparatus has been designed to be safe in use
when installed, operated and maintained in accordance with the instructions in
this manual. As with any piece of sophisticated equipment, dangers exist if the
equipment is misused, mishandled or badly maintained.

Water Borne Hazards

The equipment described in this instruction manual involves the use of water,
which under certain conditions can create a health hazard due to infection by
harmful micro-organisms.
For example, the microscopic bacterium called Legionella pneumophila will feed
on any scale, rust, algae or sludge in water and will breed rapidly if the
temperature of water is between 20 and 450C. Any water containing this
bacterium which is sprayed or splashed creating air-bome droplets can produce
a form of pneumonia called Legionnaires Disease which is potentially fatal.
Legionella is not the only harmful micm-organism which can infect water, but it
serves as a useful example of the need for cleanliness.
Under the COSHH regulations, the following precautions must be observed:
Any water contained within the product must not be allowed to stagnate,
ie. the water must be changed regularly.
Any rust, sludge, scale or algae on which micro-organisms can feed must
be removed regularly, i.e. the equipment must be cleaned regularly.
Where practicable the water should be maintained at a temperature below
200C. If this is not practicable then the water should be disinfected if it is safe
and appropriate to do so. Note that other hazards may exist in the handling
of biocides used to disinfect the water.
A scheme should be prepared for preventing or controlling the risk
incorporating all of the actions listed above.
Further details on preventing infection are contained in the publication "The
Control of Legionellosis including Legionnaires Disease" - Health and Safety
Series booklet HS (G) 70.
Important Safety Information

3
Electrical Safety
The FI-IO Service Bench operates from a mains voltage electrical supply. The
equipment is designed and manufactured in accordance with appropriate
regulations relating to the use of electricity. Similarly, it is assumed that
regulations applying to the operation of electrical equipment are observed by the
end user.
It is important to read the safety information contained within the F 1-10
Instruction Manual before operating the hydraulics bench.

4
Description
Where necessary, refer to the drawings in the Equipment Diaqrams section.

Overview
A fabricated quadrant is mounted on a balance arm which pivots on knife edges.
The knife edges coincide with the centre of arc of the quadrant. Thus, of the
hydrostatic forces acting on the quadrant when immersed in water, only the
force on the rectangular end face gives rise to a moment about the knife edges
(forces on the curved surfaces resolve through the pivot and have no effect on
the moment). This moment is counteracted by variable weights at a fixed
distance from the pivot allowing the magnitude and position of the hydrostatic
force to be determined for different water depths. The quadrant can be
operated with the vertical end face partially or fully submerged, allowing the
difference in theory to be investigated.
The balance arm incorporates a weight hanger for the weights supplied and an
adjustable counterbalance weight to ensure that the balance arm is horizontal
before immersing the quadrant in water. The assembled balance arm is mounted
on top of a clear acrylic tank which may be levelled by adjusting three screwed
feet. Correct alignment is indicated on a circular spirit level mounted on the base
of the tank.
A level indicator attached to the side of the tank shows when the balance arm is
horizontal. Water is admitted to the top of the tank by a flexible tube and may be
drained through a cock in the side of the tank. The water level is indicated on a
scale on the side of the quadrant.

Balance arm, weight hanger and counterbalance

The balance arm incorporates two locating dowels and a clamping screw for
securing the quadrant in the correct position on the arm. The arm pivots on top
of the flotation tank via machined knife edges. The balance arm incorporates a
locating groove to ensure that the weight hanger is correctly positioned relative
to the pivot. Rotation of the counterbalance weight allows it to be moved
relative to the pivot, allowing the assembled balance arm to be levelled before
immersing the quadrant in water.

Clear acrylic flotation tank

The flotation tank must be levelled before levelling the balance arm by adjusting
the screwed feet. Correct alignment is indicated by a circular spirit level mounted
on the base of the tank. A level indicator mounted on the end of the flotation
tank shows when the balance arm is horizontal.

Water supply and drainage

Water is admitted to the top of the tank by a flexible tube and may be drained through a
lever operated cock at the base. The water supply may be obtained from the hydraulic
bench or from an alternative source as required. Alternatively a suitable jug may be used
to pour water into the tank. In use the immersed depth of the quadrant is indicated by a
scale on the side of the quadrant.

Installation
5
Advisory
Before operating the equipment, it must be unpacked, assembled and installed
as described in the steps that follow. Safe use of the equipment depends on
following the correct installation procedure.

Installing the Equipment

The F 1-12 Hydrostatic Pressure apparatus is supplied in component form and
must be assembled before use as follows:
Carefully remove the components from the cardboard packaging. Retain the
packaging for future use.
Wash the quadrant and flotation tank in warm water to which a few drops of
wetting agent have been added.
Place the flotation tank on the flat top of the F 1-10 Hydraulics Bench or
alternative flat surface as required.
Attach the flexible tube to the lever operated cock at the end of the flotation
tank.
Using the spirit level attached to the base, level the flotation tank in both planes
by adjusting the feet.
Attach the fabricated quadrant (torroid) to the balance arm with the flat end
face adjacent to the knife edges. Secure the quadrant to the arm using the
knurled clamping screw ensuring that the quadrant is located on the dowels
and flat against the underside of the balance arm.

Measure the following and record the values for future reference (refer to the
Nomenclature for details of symbols used):
Width of end facet B
Height of end face, D
Distance from knife edge to notch for weigh hanger, L
Distance from knife edge to bottom of end face, H
Actual weight of each balance weight (mark each weight to aid

identification) Screw the counterbalance weight onto the threaded end of the

balance arm.
Locate the balance arm on the knife edges at the top of the flotation tank. Adjust
the position of the balance arm in the knife edges until the balance arm swings
freely up and down between the extremes of the gate on the level indicator at
the end of the flotation tank.
Locate the empty weight hanger in the notch at the end of the balance arm.
Adjust the position of the counterbalance weight until the balance arm is
horizontal (flat on balance arm adjacent to central index mark on level indicator).

6
Place a weight (typically 50g) on the weight hanger.

7
Armfield Instruction Manual

Fill the flotation tank with water until the balance arm rises above the
horizontal (water can be poured into the tank using a suitable receptacle or
pumped into the tank from the FI-IO Hydraulics Bench using a flexible tube
attached to the quick release outlet fitting in the bed of the channel).
Gradually drain water from the flotation tank by opening the drain valve until the arm
is horizontal.
The level of the water on the end face which counterbalances the weight on the
weight hanger can be measured using the scale on the side of the quadrant.
 8

Operation
Where necessary, refer to the drawings in the Equipment Diagrams section.

Operating the Equipment

Levelling the flotation tank
Before taking readings it is important to level the flotation tank so that the knife
edges are level from side to side and the level indicator is at the same height as
the knife edges. The tank stands on three height adjustable feet to aid levelling.
These should be raised or lowered as required until the bubble is central in the
spirit level.

Adjusting the counterbalance weight

Before filling the tank with water it is important to balance the quadrant /
balance arm in air by adjusting the counterbalance weight. Assemble the
quadrant onto the arm and tighten the knurled screw. Place the arm onto the
knife edges ensuring that it is free to move then place the weight hanger in the
locating groove at the end of the balance arm. Adjust the position of the
counterbalance weight until the balance arm is horizontal, indicated by the
central mark on the level indicator.
Note that the weight hanger must not be included when calculating the total
weights added because the weight of the hanger has been counterbalanced during
setup.

Initial filling of the flotation tank

Manual Filling Using a Jug:
Water can be poured into the tank from a suitable receptacle such as a jug. Avoid
pouring water onto the quadrant or balance arm.

Filling Using the FI-IO:

Water may be pumped into the flotation tank from the FI-IO Hydraulics Bench
using a flexible tube attached to the quick release outlet fitting in the bed of the
channel. An alternative source of water may be used if required.

Fill Volume:
Fill the flotation tank with water initially until the balance arm rises.

Filling the tank during experiments

After the initial filling of the tank, smaller quantities of water will be required to
top up the water level. Two methods are recommended for this:

Filling Using a Siphon:

Set a beaker, measuring cylinder or similar vessel (of similar height to the
flotation tank) beside the flotation tank. Fill the vessel with water to the same
depth as the flotation tank. Fill the flexible tube with water, and hold the ends
 sealed (a thumb over each end is suitable). Place one end below the water
surface in the vessel and the other end into the flotation tank via the triangular
cut-out at the pivot end. This will set up a siphon system. Water can be added to
the flotation tank by pouring it into the vessel using the jug, then allowing time
for the water levels to balance. Siphoning allows greater control over the water
entering the tank, and produces less disturbance of the water within the tank.
Water can be drained using the lever operated cock at the end of the flotation
tank

9
Armfield Instruction Manual

Manual Filling Using a Jug:

Water can be poured gradually into the tank from a suitable receptacle such as a
jug. Water should be poured into the space between the quadrant and the tank
sides, with the flow aimed towards the tank side to minimise disturbance of the
quadrant and balance arm. Avoid pouring water onto the quadrant or balance
arm. The accessory will require some time to stabilise after adding water
directly in this manner.

Levelling the balance arm

Gradually add water until the balance arm rises to the horizontal. Alternatively, slightly
over fill the flotation tank so that the balance arm rises too far then open the drain
valve and gradually drain water from the flotation tank to allow the balance arm to
lower towards the horizontal. For better control, begin to close the valve before the
arm is fully horizontal.
The balance arm is horizontal when it is adjacent to the central index mark on the
level indicator.

Measuring the water Level

When the balance arm is horizontal, the level of water in the tank (which
counterbalances the weights on the weight hanger) can be measured using the
scale on the side of the quadrant. When reading the value from the scale, care
should be taken to ignore the meniscus by moving the head up and down until
the eye is sighting along the true surface of the water.

Draining the flotation tank

Water may be drained from the flotation tank by fully opening the drain valve and
allowing the tank to empty.
 10

Equipment Specifications

Environmental Conditions
This equipment has been designed for operation in the following environmental
conditions. Operation outside of these conditions may result reduced
performance, damage to the equipment or hazard to the operator.

a. Indoor use;
b. Altitude up to 2000 m;

c. Temperature 50C to 400 C;

d. Maximum relative humidity 80% for temperatures up to 31 'C, decreasing

linearly to 50% relative humidity at 400 C;

e. Mains supply voltage fluctuations up to ±10% of the nominal voltage;

f. Transient over-voltages typically present on the MAINS supply;

Note: The normal level of transient over-voltages is impulse withstand
(overvoltage) category Il of IEC 60364-4-443;
g. Pollution degree 2.
Normally only nonconductive pollution occurs.

Temporary conductivity caused by condensation is to be expected.

Typical of an office or laboratory environment
 Il
Routine Maintenance
Responsibility
To preserve the life and efficient operation of the equipment it is important that the
equipment is properly maintained. Regular maintenance of the equipment is the
responsibility of the end user and must be performed by qualified personnel who
understand the operation of the equipment.

General
Little maintenance is required but it is important to avoid distortion of the
fabricated quadrant and to keep the knife edges clean and free from damage.

All water should be drained from the flotation tank when not in use. The tank and
quadrant should be dried thoroughly before storing the apparatus where
protected from damage. Ensure that the quadrant is stored flat, on its side, and
not subjected to extremes of heat or direct sunlight.
Following storage, wash the quadrant and flotation tank in warm water to which
a few drops of wetting agent have been added, before using the apparatus. This
will remove any dirt or grease adhering to the surfaces and improve the accuracy
of readings obtained using the apparatus.
12
Armfield Instruction Manual

Laboratory Teaching Exercises

Index to Exercises
Exercise A

Nomenclature
Name Unit Symbol Type Definition

Height of m D Given Vertical height of quadrant face

Quadrant (Nominal dimension 0.100m). May
be updated from your own
measurements.
Width of m B Given Horizontal width of quadrant face
Quadrant (Nominal dimension 0.075m). May
be updated from your own
measurements.
Length of m L Given Length of balance arm (Nominal
Balance arm dimension 0.275m). May be
updated from your own
measurements.

Note: measurement should be taken

from weight hanger to pivot point.
Quadrant To H Given Distance from base of vertical
Pivot quadrant face to pivot (Nominal
dimension 0.200m). May be updated
from your own measurements.
Mass kg m Measured Weights applied to the weight hanger.
Note: Masses given in grams.

Depth of m d Measured Depth of base of vertical quadrant

Immersion face beneath the free surface.

Note: Apparatus scale calibrated in

mm.
Partially Submerged Body

Hydrostatic N Calculated Bd2

Thrust
F F = pg
2
 Experimental m h Calculated
Centre of
Pressure
Theoretical m h Calculated d
Centre of 3
Pressure

Fully Submerged Body

Hydrostatic N F Calculated F=pgBD d-2

Thrust 2

Experimental Calculated
Centre of
Pressure

Theoretical Calculated
Centre of 2
Pressure

15
Armfield Instruction Manual

Exercise A
Objective
To determine the hydrostatic thrust acting on a plane surface immersed in water
when the surface is partially submerged or fully submerged.
To determine the position of the line of action of the thrust and to compare the
position determined by experiment with the theoretical position.

Method
By achieving an equilibrium condition between the moments acting on the
balance arm of the test apparatus. The forces acting are the weight applied to
the balance and the hydrostatic pressure on the end face of the quadrant.

Equipment Required
In order to complete the demonstration we need a number of pieces of equipment.
The Fl-12 Hydrostatic Pressure Apparatus (including set of weights)
Source of clean water (typically F-1-10 Hydraulics Bench)

A jug (not supplied)

Calipers or ruler, for measuring the actual dimensions of the quadrant, if

desired (not supplied)

For siphoning water:

A beaker, measuring cylinder, or similar container of water of similar

height tb the flotation tank

A length of small bore flexible tubing

Theory
When the quadrant is immersed in water it is possible to analyse the forces
acting on the surfaces of the quadrant as follows:
The hydrostatic force at any point on the curved surfaces is normal to the
surface and therefore resolves through the pivot point because this is
located at the origin of the radii. Hydrostatic forces on the upper and lower
curved surfaces therefore have no net effect — no torque to affect the
equilibrium of the assembly because all of these forces pass through the
pivot.
The forces on the sides of the quadrant are horizontal and cancel out (equal
and opposite).

The hydrostatic force on the vertical submerged face is counteracted by

the balance weight. The resultant hydrostatic force on the face can
 therefore be calculated from the value of the balance weight and the
depth of the water as follows:

When the system is in equilibrium, the moments about the pivot point are equal:
mgL = Fh

17
Armfield Instruction Manual

where:

m is the mass on the weight hanger,

g is the acceleration due to gravity,
L is the length of the balance arm,
F is the hydrostatic thrust, and h is the distance between the
pivot and the centre of pressure.
Hence by calculating the hydrostatic thrust and centre of pressure on the end face
of the quadrant, we can compare theoretical and experimental results.

Partially Submerged Vertical Plane

For the case where the vertical face of the quadrant is partially submerged:

where:

L is the horizontal distance between the pivot point and the weight hanger,
H is the vertical distance between the pivot and the base of the quadrant,
D is the height of the quadrant face, B is the width of the quadrant
face, d is the depth of water from the base of the quadrant, and h' is
the vertical distance between the surface and the centre of pressure.
The forces shown are F, the hydrostatic thrust, and m.g, the weight.
Hydrostatic Thrust
The hydrostatic thrust can be defined as:
F = pgAh (Newtons) where:

A is the area =

18
 Exercise A

h is the mean depth of immersion 2

therefore:

F=lpgBd2

Experimental Depth of Pressure

The moment, Mt can be defined as
M = FhN (Newtons)
A balancing moment is produced by the weight, W, applied to the hanger at the
end of the balance arm. The moment is proportional to the length of the balance
arm, L.
For static equilibrium the two moments are equal, i.e.
Fh" = WL = mgL
By substitution of the derived hydrostatic thrust, F from (1), we have
mg 2m.L

F pBd 2 (metres)
Theoretical Depth of Pressure
The theoretical result for depth of pressure P below the free surface is

(2)

where Ix is the 2nd moment of area of immersed section about an axis in the
freesurface. By use of the parallel axes theorem:

+Ah2
Bd3
3
(3)

The depth of the centre of pressure below the pivot point is therefore given by:
h" = h" + H-d (m) (4)
hence:

hII=H-ž
3
The turning moment can then be calculated.

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Armfield Instruction Manual

Fully Submerged Vertical Plane

For the case where the vertical face of the quadrant is fully submerged:

Where:
d is the depth of submersion,
F is the hydrostatic thrust exerted on the quadrant, h' is the depth
of the centre of pressure, h" is the distance of centre of pressure
below the pivot,
B is the width of the surface, and D is the depth of
the surface
W is the weight on the hanger (=mg)
Hydrostatic Thrust
The hydrostatic thrust F can be defined as

F=pgAh =pgBD d-2

2
(5)
Experimental Depth of Pressure
The moment, M, can be defined as

A balancing moment is produced by the weight, W, applied to the hanger at the

end of the balance arm. The moment is proportional to the length of the balance
arm, L.
For static equilibrium the two moments are equal, i.e.:

20
 Exercise A

Fh't = WL = mgL
By substitution of the derived hydrostatic thrust, F, from (5), we have

(m)

Theoretical Depth of Pressure

The theoretical result for depth of centre of pressure below the free-surface is

(6)
where Ix is the 2nd moment of area of immersed section about an axis in the
freesurface.
By use of the parallel axes theorem:
Ix lc + Ah2

Bd3Bd3
123

The depth of the centre of pressure below the surface is h"

= h' + H—d (m)
Substitution as before then gives the theoretical result of:

d-D/2
The turning moment can hence be calculated.
Equipment Set Up
For improved accuracy of results, measure the dimensions B, D of the quadrant
endface and the distance H and L and record the values for future reference.
Position the empty Fl-12 flotation tank on the FI-IO Hydraulics Bench or other
suitable level surface, then adjust the screwed feet until the built-in circular spirit
level indicates that the tank is level in both planes.
Position the balance arm on the knife edges and check that the arm is free to swing.
Locate the empty weight hanger in the groove at the end of the balance arm.
Move the counter-balance weight until the balance arm is horizontal, indicated by
the central index mark on the beam level indicator.

Procedure
Add a small mass (typically 50g) to the weight hanger.

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Armfield Instruction Manual

Close the drain valve at the end of the tank then slowly add water to the tank. This
can be done in one of two ways:
Water can be poured into the tank from a suitable receptacle such as a jug or
water may be pumped into the flotation tank from the FI-IO Hydraulics Bench
using a flexible tube attached to the quick release outlet fitting in the bed of the
channel.
Fill the flotation tank with water initially until the balance arm rises. Avoid wetting
the balance arm or the quadrant above the water level in the tank.
After initially filling the tank, small adjustments of water level are best performed
using a jug, allowing time for the water to settle before taking readings.
Alternatively, set a beaker, measuring cylinder or similar container full of water
beside the tank. Fill the flexible tube with water, and hold the ends sealed (a
thumb over each end is suitable). Place one end below the water surface in the
cylinder and the other end into the tank via the triangular cut-out at the pivot
end. This will set up a siphon system. Water can be added to the tank by pouring
it into the vessel using the jug, then allowing time for the water levels to
balance. Siphoning allows greater control over the water entering the tank, and
produces less disturbance of the water within the tank.
Add water until the hydrostatic thrust on the end-face of the quadrant causes
the balance arm to rise. Ensure that there is no water spilled on the upper
surfaces of the quadrant or the sides, above the water level. Continue to add
water until the balance arm is horizontal, checking this by aligning the flat of the
balance arm with the central mark on the level indicator. You may find it easier
to slightly over-fill the tank, and obtain the equilibrium position by opening the
drain cock to allow a small outflow.
When the arm is horizontal read the depth of immersion from the scale on the
face of the quadrant. Care should be taken to ignore the meniscus by moving
the head up and down until the eye is sighing along the true surface of the
water.
Repeat the above procedure for different load increments by adding further
weights to the weight hanger. The weights supplied allow increments of ten,
twenty, and fifty grams to be used, depending on the number of samples
required. Fifty-gram intervals are suggested for an initial set of results, which will
give a total of nineteen samples.
Continue until the water level reaches the top of the upper scale on the quadrant
face. Repeat the procedure in reverse, by progressively removing the weights.
Note any factors that you think are likely to affect the accuracy of your results.

Results
All readings should be recorded as follows:

22
 Exercise A

Constants
Height of End Face: D (m)
Width of End Face: B (m)
Length of Arm:
(m)
Height to Pivot: (m)
Variables
Mass Measured Depth Hydrostatic Distance Turning
Added Turning Thrust to Centre Moment
Moment of
Pressure
d
m m
hm
Nm Nm

Conclusions
Comment on the variation of thrust with depth.
Comment on the relationship between the depth of the centre of pressure and
the depth of immersion.
For both of the above, comment on what happens when the plane has become
fully submerged.
Comment on and explain the discrepancies between the experimental and
theoretical results for the depth of centre of pressure.

23
Operating the Optional Software (Fl-301)
Note: The diagrams in this section are included as typical examples and may not relate specifically
to an individual product.
The Armfield Software is a powerful Educational and Data Logging tool with a wide range of
features. Some of the major features are highlighted below, to assist users, but full details on
the software and how to use it are provided in the presentations and Help text incorporated in
the Software. Help on Using the Software or Using the
Equipment is available by clicking the appropriate topic in the Help drop-down menu
•from the upper toolbar when operating the software as shown:

Load the software. If multiple experiments are available then a menu will be displayed listing the
options. Wait for the presentation screen to open fully as shown:

Presentation Screen - Basics and Navigation

As stated above, the software starts with the Presentation Screen displayed. The user is met by
a simple presentation which gives them an overview of the capabilities of the equipment and
software and explains in simple terms how to navigate around the software and summarizes the
major facilities complete with direct links to detailed context sensitive 'help' texts.

22
 Operating the Software

To view the presentations click Next or click the required topic in the left hand pane as
appropriate. Click More while displaying any of the topics to display a Help index related to that
topic.

To return to the Presentation screen at any time click the View Presentation icon

from the main tool bar or click Presentation from the dropdown menu as shown:

For more detailed information about the presentations refer to the Help available via the upper toolbar
when operating the software.

Toolbar
A toolbar is displayed at the top of the screen at all times, so users can jump immediately to the
facility they require, as shown:
Yew

The upper menu expands as a dropdown menu when the cursor is placed over a name.
The lower row of icons (standard for all Armfield Software) allows a particular function to be
selected. To aid recognition, pop-up text names appear when the cursor is placed over the
icon.
Mimic Diagram
The Mimic Diagram is the most commonly used screen and gives a pictorial representation
of the equipment, with boxes to enter measurements from the equipment, display any
calculated variables etc. directly in engineering units.

To view the Mimic Diagram click the View Diagram icon from the main tool bar or click Diagram
from the View drop-down menu as shown:

A Mimic diagram is displayed, similar to the diagram as shown:

25
 Armfield Instruction Manual

The details in the diagram will vary depending on the equipment chosen if multiple experiments
are available.
Manual data input boxes with a coloured background allow measured variables, constants such
as Orifice Cd and Atmospheric Pressure, as appropriate, to be changed by over-typing the default
value. After typing the value press the Return key or click on a different box to enter the value.
In addition to measured variables such as Volume, Time, Temperature or Pressure, calculated data
such as Discharge I Volume flowrate, Headloss etc are continuously displayed in data boxes with
a white background. These are automatically updated and cannot be changed by the user.
After entering a complete set of data from measurements on the equipment click on

the icon to save the set of results before entering another set.
The mimic diagram associated with some products includes the facility to select different
experiments or different accessories, usually on the left hand side of the screen, as shown:

26
 Operating the Software

Maud

Clicking on the appropriate accessory or exercise will change the associated mimic diagram, table,
graphs etc to suit the exercise being performed.

Data Logging Facilities in the Mimic Diagram

Armfield software designed for manual entry of measured variables does not include automatic
data logging facilities and these options are greyed out where not appropriate. When manually
entering data the icon simply saves the set of entered data into a spreadsheet as described above.
Tabular Display

To view the Table screen click the View Table icon from the main tool bar or click Table from the
View dropdown menu as shown:

The data is displayed in a tabular format, similar to the screen as shown:

As the data is sampled, it is stored in spreadsheet format. updated each time the data is sampled.
The table also contains columns for the calculated values.
New sheets can be added to the spreadsheet for different data runs by clicking the

icon from the main toolbar. Sheets can be renamed by double clicking on the sheet name
at the bottom left comer of the screen (initially Run 1, Run 2 etc) then entering the required
name.

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 Armfield Instruction Manual

For more detailed information about Data Logging and changing the settings within the software refer to
the Help available via the upper toolbar when operating the software.

Graphical Display
When several samples have been recorded, they can be viewed in graphical format

To view the data in Graphical format click the View graph icon from the main tool bar or click
Graph from the View drop-down menu as shown:

The results are displayed in a graphical format as shown:

(The actual graph displayed will depend on the product selected and the exercise
that is being conducted, the data that has been logged and the parameter(s) that
has been selected).
Powerful and flexible graph plotting tools are available in the software, allowing
the user full choice over what is displayed, including dual y axes, points or lines,
displaying data from different runs, etc. Formatting and scaling is done
automatically by default, but can be changed manually if required.
To change the data displayed on the Graph click Graph Data from the Format
dropdown menu as shown:

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 Operating the Software

9
The available parameters (Series of data) are displayed in the left hand pane as shown:

Two axes are available for plotting, allowing series with different scaling to be presented on the
same x axis.
To select a series for plotting, click the appropriate series in the left pane so that it is highlighted then click
the appropriate right-facing arrow to move the series into one of the windows in the right hand pane.
Multiple series with the same scaling can be plotted simultaneously by moving them all into the same
window in the right pane.

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 Armfield Instruction Manual

To remove a series from the graph, click the appropriate series in the right pane so that it is highlighted
then click the appropriate left-facing arrow to move the series into the left pane.
The X-Axis Content is chosen by default to suit the exercise. The content can be changed if appropriate by
opening the drop down menu at the top of the window.
The format of the graphs, scaling of the axes etc. can be changed if required by clicking Graph in
the Format drop-down menu as shown:

For more detailed information about changing these settings refer to the Help available via the upper
toolbar when operating the software.

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Contact Details for Further
Information
Main Office: Armfield Limited
Bridge House
West Street
Ringwood
Hampshire
England BH24 IDY
Tel: +44 (0)1425 478781
Fax: +44 (0)1425 470916
Email: sales@armfield.co.uk
support@armfield.co.uk
Web: http:llwww.armfield.co.uk

US Office: Armfield Inc.

9 Trenton - Lakewood Road
Clarksburg, NJ 08510
Tel/Fax: (609) 208 2800
Email: info@armfieldinc.com

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