An experimental study on the influence of the fluid viscosity on the dynamic behavior of vortices

Fluid viscosity has significant influence on initiating and strengthening of vortices. The aim of this research is to clarify the influence of the fluid viscosity on the dynamic behavior of the vortices which initiate and get strength in the environment or in the fluid machineries and devices. For this purpose, an experimental apparatus has been designed and constructed for rotating of liquid filled tank in a circular path with different radiuses and different angular velocity. Pure water and pure paraffin and different mixtures of paraffin and water with different percentages of them have been used for investigating the influence of the fluid viscosity on the dynamic behavior of vortices. Colored fine grains are used for visualization of the liquid flow stream lines inside the tank and a high-speed video camera has been employed for capturing experimental videos and shots from initiation and development of the vortices. Experimental results show that decreasing the fluid viscosity results in increasing of strength of vortices. Experimental results also show that the fluid viscosity has significant effect on the initiation and dynamic behavior of the vortices generated inside the liquid filled tank during its uniform, accelerated and decelerated rotation along a circular path.