Determining hydraulic parameters using the free jet benches

The free jet bench, developed by Algetec for educational and teaching purposes, provides a controlled environment for analysing phenomena associated with fluid jets. It allows water dynamics to be explored using different types of nozzles, providing crucial data for advanced hydraulic analyses. To this end, the hydraulic efficiency of nozzles with different diameters was evaluated, measuring parameters such as flow velocity, flow rate and jet range. The experiment was carried out at the Hydraulic Irrigation and Hydrology Laboratory (LIHH) at the Agricultural Sciences Centre of the State University of the Tocantins Region of Maranhão (UEMASUL), using the free jet bench available in the laboratory. A completely randomised experimental design was adopted, with four treatments and five replications each, using nozzles with diameters of 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm and 10 mm. The results showed that the height of the water column directly influences outlet velocity and pressure. Nozzles with larger diameters had a significant impact on horizontal reach and flow, while smaller nozzles performed less well in these aspects. These findings are key to optimising the selection and design of nozzles in hydraulic systems, improving efficiency and performance in practical applications.