Research paper vortex cannon

The existence of free surface vortices has been a significant focus of study for hydraulic engineers. This paper presents the study of formation and progression of free vortex flow. An experimental model of water reservoir is setup and free vortex flow generated above suction orifice at fixed submergence depth and discharge.

Here’s the basic design for an air vortex cannon, a simple device that overcomes a major barrier to throwing air: applying force to a bunch of air molecules to get them to move in a single direction. Use an air cannon to demonstrate that air, like all matter, can move in response to force and exert force on other objects.

Vortex rings can occur just about any time a jet of a fluid is shot into a mass of still fluid, regardless of whether those fluids are gases or liquids. Vortices like the ones generated with your air cannon are created by a number of things, such as helicopter blades or mosses that disperse their spores by shooting them outward.

If you have a fog machine, then you can observe the shape of the toroidal vortex created by your air cannon. You can also put some flour inside the bucket and shake it up to simulate fog. If dry ice is available, that will work too. See if you can use your toroidal vortex generator as smell cannon.