1.

0 TITLE
Impact of a Jet

2.0 OBJECTIVE
I. To demonstrate and verify the integral momentum equation. The force generated
by a jet of water deflected by an impact surface is measured and compared to the
momentum change of the jet.
II. To determine the reaction force produced by the impact of jet of water on to
variety type of target vanes.
III. To experimentally determine the force required to keep a target at a datum level
while it is subjected to the impact of water jet.

3.0 INTRODUCTION
Water jet from a small opening, with a high velocity, when exerted on a surface of
plate will produce force that gives power to move a system. The principle of jet impact is
the basis for the understanding of liquid flow in turbines. This principle is used in
designing impulse turbines. In these turbines part of the fluid energy is transformed into
kinetic energy in a nozzle (or a set of nozzles) which issues a jet of fluid at high speed.
The jet strikes the moving blades, mounted on the turbine wheel, producing the force
required to drive it.

Impact of jets apparatus enables experiments to be carried out on the reaction force
produced on vanes when a jet of water impacts on to the vane. The study of these reaction
forces is an essential step in the subject of mechanics of fluids which can be applied to
hydraulic machinery such as the Pelton wheel and the impulse turbine.

Water turbines are widely used throughout the world to generate power. In the type
of water turbine referred to as a Pelton wheel, one or more water jets are directed
tangentially on to vanes or buckets that are fastened to the rim of the turbine disc. The
impact of the water on the vanes generates a torque on the wheel, causing it to rotate and
to develop power. Although the concept is essentially simple, such turbines can generate
 considerable output at high efficiency. Powers in excess of 100 MW, and hydraulic
efficiencies greater than 95%, are not common. It may be noted that the Pelton wheel is
best suited to conditions where the available head of water is great, and the flow rate is
3
comparatively small. For example, with a head of 100 m and a flow rate of 1 m /s, a Pelton
wheel running at some 250 rev/min could be used to develop about 900 kW.

The same water power would be available if the head were only 10 m and the flow
were 10m3/s, but a different type of turbine would then be needed. To predict the output
of a Pelton wheel, and to determine its optimum rotational speed, we need to understand
how the deflection of the jet generates a force on the buckets, and how the force is related
to the rate of momentum flow in the jet.

In this experiment, we measure the force generated by a jet of water striking a flat
plate or a hemispherical cup, and compare the results with the computed momentum flow
rate in the jet.

4.0 THEORY
When a jet of water flowing with a steady velocity strikes a solid surface the water
is deflected to flow along the surface. If friction is neglected by assuming an inviscid fluid
and it is also assumed that there are no losses due to shocks then the magnitude of the water
velocity is unchanged. The pressure exerted by the water on the solid surface will
everywhere be at right angles to the surface. Consider a jet of water which impacts on to a
target surface causing the direction of the jet to be changed through an angle 𝜃 as shown
in figure 2 below. In the absence of friction, the magnitude of the velocity across the surface
is equal to the incident velocity Vi. The impulse force exerted on the target will be equal
and opposite to the force which acts on the water to impart the change in direction.
Applying Newton’s second law in the direction of the incident jet;
 Figure 1 shows the flat and hemisphere plate.

𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 = 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 × 𝐴𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

= 𝑀𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒 × 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑉𝑒𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦
𝐹 = 𝑚 (𝑣2 − 𝑣1 )
𝐹 = 𝑝𝑄 (𝑣2 − 𝑣1 )

This is the resultant force acting on the fluid in the direction of motion.
This force is made up of three components:
 F1 = FR = Force exerted in the given direction on the fluid by any solid body
touching the control volume.
 F2 = FB = Force exerted in the given direction on the fluid by body force (e.g.
gravity).
 F3 = FP = Force exerted in the given direction on the fluid by fluid pressure
outside the control volume.

By Newton’s third law, the fluid will exert an equal and opposite reaction on its
surroundings. The force exerted by the fluid on the solid body touching the control volume
is equal and opposite to FR. So the reaction force R is given by:
𝑅 = −𝐹𝑅

𝑅 = 𝑚 (𝑣1 − 𝑣2 )

𝑅 = 𝑚 (𝑣𝑖 − 𝑣𝑖 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)

𝑅 = 𝑝𝑄𝑣𝑖 (1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃)
 𝑅
= (1 − cos 𝜃)
𝑝𝑄𝑣𝑖

In each case it is assumed that there is no splashing or rebound of the water from
the surface so that the exist angle is parallel to the exit angle of the target. The jet velocity
can be calculated from the measured flow rate and the nozzle exit area.

𝑄
𝑉𝑛 =
𝐴

However, as the nozzle is below the target the impact velocity will be less than
the nozzle velocity due to interchanges between potential energy and kinetic energy so
that;

𝑉𝑖2 = 𝑉𝑛2 − 2𝑔ℎ

Where h is the height of target above the nozzle exit.

Therefore cos𝜃 = 0

1. Impact on normal plane target

For the normal plane target 𝜃 = 90°

Therefore cos𝜃 = 0

𝑅
= (1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃) = 1
𝑝𝑄𝑣𝑖

2. Impact on semi-spherical target

The target exit angle 𝜃 = 135°

Therefore cos𝜃 = −0.7071

𝑅
= (1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃) = 1.7071
𝑝𝑄𝑣𝑖

5.0 REQUIREMENT
 The apparatus consists of an upward discharging jet surrounded by a clear
Plexiglas tube provided with levelling screws. The plate located directly over the jet is
mounted on a stainless steel spindle, which passes through the top plate of the apparatus.
A weight pan is mounted on the upper end of this spindle Water is supplied from the lab
faucet (supply valve) to the inlet of the apparatus via a hose. Water flowing through the
nozzle strikes the flat plate and deflects from the flat plate and falls to the base of the
clear Plexiglas tube where it exit and drain in the sink.

Figure 2 shows the illustration of an impact of jet apparatus with

hydraulic bench

6.0 PROCEDURE
 1. The flat is installed in the apparatus.
2. It is ensured that there is no load position of the weigh tray by aligning the pointer
on top of the apparatus to the weigh pan.
3. The appropriate masses are added to the weigh tray until it returns to the no load
position.
4. The flow rate and mass are recorded.
5. The water supply is reduced and step 4-5 are repeated for each flow rate.
6. The flat was replaced with a hemispherical cup and procedure was repeated.

7.0 RESULTS
a) Flat Plate

Actual, Theoretical,
Weight Fa Time (s) Q V Ft Log V Log Ft
(kg) (N) T1 T2 T3 Tavg (m3/s) (m/s) (N)
0.05 0.4905 80.36 62.18 70.23 70.92 7.05E-05 3.590467 0.253123 0.555151 -0.596668
0.10 0.9810 41.21 43.50 42.76 42.49 1.18E-04 5.99313 0.70524 0.77765 -0.15166
0.15 1.4715 38.88 37.60 39.24 38.57 1.30E-04 6.60166 0.85573 0.81965 -0.06766
0.20 1.9620 51.46 30.12 26.94 36.17 1.38E-04 7.03966 0.97305 0.84755 -0.01187
0.25 2.4525 29.44 30.12 26.94 28.83 1.73E-04 8.83172 1.53151 0.94605 0.18512
0.30 2.9430 28.47 25.40 26.98 26.95 1.86E-04 9.44890 1.75304 0.97538 0.24379
0.35 3.4335 28.56 25.62 23.12 25.77 1.94E-04 9.88284 1.91776 0.99488 0.28279

b) Hemispherical

Actual, Theoretical,
Weight Fa Time (s) Q V Ft Log V Log Ft
(kg) (N) T1 T2 T3 Tavg (m3/s) (m/s) (N)

0.05 0.4905 83.12 78.56 90.84 84.17 5.94E-05 3.02528 0.35941 0.48077 -0.44441

0.10 0.9810 67.44 61.72 59.79 62.98 7.94E-05 4.04310 0.64193 0.60671 -0.19251

0.15 1.4715 68.53 47.06 45.62 53.74 9.30E-05 4.73881 0.88186 0.67567 -0.05460

0.20 1.9620 45.56 41.25 43.97 43.59 1.15E-04 5.84144 1.33999 0.76652 0.12710

0.25 2.4525 38.78 36.71 39.85 38.45 1.30E-04 6.62341 1.72275 0.82108 0.23622

0.30 2.9430 34.47 33.58 34.51 34.19 1.46E-04 7.44875 2.17885 0.87208 0.33823

8.0 CALCULATION
 Flat Plate

Actual Force, Fa = m *g

= 0.05 kg × 9.81m/s2

= 0.4905 N

Flow Rate, Q = (Volume/Average Time)

= 0.005m3÷70.92s

= 7.05x10-5 m3/s

𝐕𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐕 = 𝐐/𝐀

= 7.05x10-5 m3/s × 1.9635x10-5 m2

= 3.59 m/s

Theoretical Force, Ft = 𝝆AV2

= (1000 kg/m3) (1.9635x10-5 m2) (3.59 m/s)2

= 2.53x10-1 N

 Hemisphere Plate

Actual Force, Fa = m g

= 0.05 kg × 9.81m/s2

= 0.4905 N

Flow Rate, Q = (Volume/Average Time)

= 0.005m3 ÷ 84.17 s
 = 5.94x 10-5 m3/s

Velocity, V = Q/A

= 5.94x 10-5 m3/s × 1.9635x10-5 m2

= 3.03 m/s

Theoretical Force, Ft = 2𝝆AV2

= 2(1000 kg/m3) (1.9635x10-5 m2) (3.03 m/s)2

= 3.59 x10-1 N

9.0 ANALYSIS

Force against Velocity (Flat Plate) Force against Velocity (Hemispherical)

4.0 3.5
3.5 3.0
3.0
2.5
2.5
F (N)

2.0
F (N)

2.0
1.5
1.5
1.0 1.0

0.5 0.5
0.0 0.0
0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00 12.00 0 2 4 6 8
V (m/s) V (m/s)
Series1 Series2 Series1 Series2

Graph 1 shows the force against velocity for flat Graph 2 shows the force against velocity for
plate hemisperical

Log Ft vs Log V
0.4

0.2

0.0
0.00 0.20 0.40 0.60 0.80 1.00 1.20
F (N)

-0.2
 Graph 3 shows the Log Ft vs Log V

10.0 DISCUSSION

This experiment is based on Newton’s Second Law and it involved a fixed

volume of 5 liter. There are two types of nozzle used in this jet, which are flat plate and
hemispherical, with the same diameter of 5mm. However, the pattern of the flow varies
according to the nozzles. For flat plate, the pattern of the water flow is spread widely with
a deflection of 180 degrees while exiting the nozzle, and for hemispherical bowl, the
water flows with a deflection of a 45degree downward pattern while exiting the nozzle.
As the plate curvature increases the resultant deflection is smoother and less ‘beating’ of
the plate, hence the force returning increases. there is practically zero force applied
‘beating’ the plate and maximum deflection smoothness. The surface of deflectors affects
the pattern of water.

Based on this experiment, the theoretical and actual force of hemispherical

bowl is higher than flat plate. The theoretical force obtained via experiment is slightly
different from the actual force calculated for both flat plate and also hemispherical bowl
nozzles. The difference in both forces are due to some errors during the experiment.
Firstly, at high water flow rates, water tends to deflect slightly upwards, which is more
than 90 degrees for flat plates and more than 45 degrees for hemispherical bowl, after
contact with the plate. The experimental values are actually not accurate because of the
fact that energy is lost in the water rising from the nozzle to the plate. Energy is lost in
the bearings of the balance arm on which the jockey weight rests. This is why the actual
force calculated is lower than the theoretical force obtained.

Graph 1 shows the Force against the Velocity for both actual and theoretical
in flat plate. From this graph, it is shown that the actual force and theoretical force are
slightly varying with each other. Both the velocity is directly proportional to both the
actual and theoretical force. Graph 2 shows the Force against the Velocity for both actual
and theoretical in hemispherical bowl. From this graph, it can be seen that there is a big
difference in forces compared to the forces in flat surface. This is because some minor
errors occurred during the experiment. Overall, it is shown that velocity is proportional to
both actual and theoretical forces. Graph 3 shows the Log Ft against Log V for flat plate
and hemispherical bowl. Based on this graph, log Ft is increase linearly with Log V.
However, the hemispherical bowl’s gradient is steeper than the flat plate. This explains
that the hemispherical bowl vane generates larger momentum compared to flat plate
vane.

There were a few errors that might affect the data collected during the experiment.
Firstly the condition of the instrument, hydraulic water pump bench. Poorly maintenance
of the hydraulic water bench surface of the water reservoir effect the stream off the water
causing the irregular flow of the water. Presence of impurities in the reservoir and fluid
like dust disrupt the flow of water through both weirs. The pump also doesn’t show a
consistent flow rate as it increases causing the difficulty to maintain a steady flow in
order to measure the height as a steady flow of water. The condition of the pump which
produce a vibration throughout the bench also cause the water to have an inconsistent
flow throughout the experiment. The presence of leakage at the bench also affect the
water even though the leakage is minimal it still effects the result of the experiment over
time due to the loss of water.

Environmental factors that affect the result of the experiment are running the experiment
in a fan condition room cause the water surface to ripple due to the air movement
 surrounding the environment. An air conditioned room is highly advised to run this
experiment.

From the result, we assumed the errors occurred during the experiment. Then,
some of precautions should be taken, for example avoid shaking the water bench, so that
the water level is set to a balanced position. During the experiment the measurement
taken using eye that can make errors while reading the measurement that needs to
avoided. With the measurement taken, it can lower to the minimum error and get accurate
reading to avoid the great difference of gradient of slope value. However, in this
experiment we have success to prove that when the greater surface area of vane plate, the
larger the forces that can withstand by the plate.

11.0 CONCLUSION
As the conclusion, the experiment that have been carried out were successful, even
though the data collected are a little bit difference compared to the theoretical value. The
main target of this experiment is to focus on the experimental analysis of the impact of
water jet on different types of vanes. Impact of jet apparatus is utilized to demonstrate
the way in which fluid force is being utilized for generating a force. The force can turn a
turbine. Moreover, it is possible to convert the kinetic energy in a flowing fluid from a
nozzle to a rotary motion of the turbine with the help of vanes fitted on shaft of the
turbine. The jet is directed to vane of turbine wheel that is rotated by the force generates
due to change of momentum of the fluid according to Newton’s second law of motion .
The principle is used in designing impulse turbine; part of the fluid energy is transformed
to kinetic energy in a nozzle that issues a jet of fluid at high speed.

The difference between the theoretical value and the actual value may mainly due to
human and servicing factors such as parallax error. This error occur during observer
captured the value of the water level.
 This error may occur because the water valve was not completely close during
collecting the water. This may affect the time taken for the water to be collected. The
recommendation to overcome the error is ensure that the position of the observer’s eye
must be 90° perpendicular to the reading or the position. Then, ensure that the apparatus
functioning perfectly in order to get an accurate result.

12.0 REFERENCES

Cengel Y.A and Cimbala J.M. (2014). Fluid Mechanics: Fundamentals & Applications.
Third Edition in SI Units. 3rd Ed. McGraw-Hill Education, Asia.

Jet blast deflector. Published on 3 March 2016. Retrieved on 19 March, 2017 from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jet_blast_deflector.

Newton's 3 laws of motion. Retrieved on March 16, 2017, from

http://teachertech.rice.edu/Participants/louviere/Newton/law3.html

ROBERTS. (2003). CIVE1400: Fluid mechanics impact of jets lab 1st year fluids -impact
of a jet. RetrievedMarch19,2017,from
http://www.efm.leeds.ac.uk/CIVE/FluidsLevel1/Unit00/Downloads/jets-lab-
handout.pdf
13.0 APPENDIX

Figure 3 show the image of Figure 4 show the image of Figure 5 show the image of
jet apparatus releasing water after adjusting the water required
collected 5L of water to balance the load.

Figure 7 show the image of time

Figure 6 show the image of taken to collect 5L of water.
load balancing