Orifice and Jet Flow (Jet Trajectory) Apparatus (SMT-FM-11)

This apparatus is designed to study and visualize the trajectory of a water jet exiting from an orifice, allowing students to measure flow contraction, energy losses, and determine the contraction coefficient for different nozzle shapes and sizes. It provides a practical method for analyzing how the velocity and path of a jet are influenced by the water level in the tank and the geometry of the outlet. The unit includes a transparent PMMA tank with an adjustable overflow for precise water level control and a set of four interchangeable nozzles with rounded and square contours in two diameters. A key feature is the point gauge, which consists of nine movable steel rods that can be adjusted to trace the profile of jet, transferring its trajectory onto a white panel for clear visualization. The apparatus is designed to be used with a hydraulic bench for water supply and flow measurement, ensuring an integrated experimental setup. Its primary application is in fluid mechanics education for investigating discharge behavior and orifice flow characteristics. The benefit lies in providing hands-on data to compare real jet trajectories and contraction with theoretical predictions, helping students understand factors affecting orifice performance in applications like flow measurement devices and hydraulic structures.