Introduction

Water turbines are widely used throughout the world to generate power. By allowing
fluid under pressure to strike the vanes of a turbine wheel, mechanical work can be
produced. Rotational motion is then produced by the force generated as the jet strikes
the vanes. One of the common types of water turbines is Pelton wheel. In this type of
water turbine, one or more water jets are directed tangentially on to a vanes or buckets
that are fastened on 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. To predict
the output of a Pelton wheel and to determine its optimum rotational speed,
understanding on 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 are needed. This
experiment aims at assessing the different forces exerted by the same water jet on a
variety of geometrical different plates. Under this experiment, the force generated by
a jet of water striking a deflector is measured.

Objective
In this experiment, the force generated by a jet of water as it strikes a flat plate or
hemispherical cup may be measured and compared with the momentum flow rate in the
jet.
Theory
A theoretical model for the force necessary to hold the impact surface stationary is obtained
by
applying the integral forms of the continuity and momentum equations. The details of the
model
depend on whether or not the fluid stream leaving the impact surface is symmetric relative to
the
vertical axis of the surface.
Apparatus and equipment
The experimental apparatus consists of a water nozzle, a set of impact surfaces, a spring
scale connected to a balance beam, a flow meter, and plumbing for recirculating the water.
Picture is showing a schematic components. The pump draws water from the collection tank
and provides sufficient head for the water to flow through the nozzle and the flow meter. The
jet of water from the nozzle impinges on the impact surface. The balance beam attached to
impact surface allows measurement of the force necessary to deflect the water jet.
1.Water pumping table with a weighing device to measure the mass flow rate of the
jet.
2. A round tapered nozzle used to form the vertical jet, which is deflected by either a
flat plate or a hemispherical vane . The nozzle and vane are contained within a
transparent cylinder.
3. A force balancing lever device for finding the resultant force on the vane
4. Timing mechanism.