Discuss the trends in reaction forces versus jet velocity. Is the trend consistent with the theory? Does it make sense?

The rate of fluid motion(Jet Velocity) exert a force on the object in contact with it. This force is also knowns as reactions forces.

In theory, this is related to Newton Second of motion which States that:

The rate of change of momentum is directly proportional to impressed force.

This makes sense and it is consistent with theory. Detailed explanation below:

Explanation:

A jet which can be illustrated as a moving fluid, in natural or artificial systems, may exert forces on objects in contact with it.

To analyze fluid motion, a finite region of the fluid (control volume) is usually selected, and the gross effects of the flow, such as its force or torque on an object, is determined by calculating the net mass rate that flows into and out of the control volume.

These forces can be determined, as in solid mechanics, by the use of Newton’s second law, or by the momentum equation(Consistent with the theory). The force exerted by a jet of fluid on a flat or curve surface can be resolved by applying the momentum equation. The study of these forces is essential to the study of fluid mechanics and hydraulic machinery.

In practice, Engineers and designers use the momentum equation to accurately calculate the force that moving fluid may exert on a solid body. For example, in hydropower plants, turbines are utilized to generate electricity. Turbines rotate due to force exerted by one or more water jets that are directed tangentially onto the turbine’s vanes or buckets. The impact of the water on the vanes generates a torque on the wheel, causing it to rotate and to generate electricity.