Low Turbulence Water Channel

Low Turbulence Water Channel

The purpose of the low-turbulence water tunnel is to facilitate the study of the fundamental structural aspects of turbulent flows near boundaries (solid walls, free surfaces, or both). The water channel is two stories high and re-circulates approximately 8,000 gallons water. The maximum flow speed is 2 m/s.

The test section is 2.44 m long, 1 m across and 0.8 m deep. All walls at the test section are acrylic to allow for flow visualization experiments and to facilitate measurements with optical instrumentation. The measured background turbulence level at the test section is less than 0.1% of the free stream velocity. Velocity and turbulence measurements are accomplished by utilizing a three-component, fiber optic, laser-Doppler velocimetry system. The LDV system was specifically designed to allow for simultaneous laser-induced fluorescence concentration measurements. A three-axis traverse system allows movement of the LDV crossing point across the test section.

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