Numerical solution of an integral equation for flow from a circular orifice

Abstract

This study was begun as an attempt to either confirm or disprove conflicting results of previous research upon a classical problem in potential theory. An integral equation resulting from a surface distribution of vorticity is used to solve numerically for the flow through a circular orifice. Free-surface profiles and contraction coefficients are determined for four different ratios of orifice area to pipe area, and a comparison is made between the numerical and experimental results of both this study and previous studies.