Flow straighteners and guide vanes are used. A choice of between one and three flow pumps can be ordered to provide maximum flow rates between 0.3 and 0.8m/s at maximum operating depths. Higher flow rates can be achieved with a smaller depth of water. 300 x 450 mm flow channel (Advanced flow channels) is designed in a modular way to allow different configurations to be purchased against the current and future needs of the user. The inlet chamber has been designed from experience with cavitation tunnels to provide a relatively stable flow. The basic channel is manufactured in 5m sections such that a length of up to 20m can be purchased. The walls of the channel are made from plexiglass (with toughened glass options), the base of the channel is formed from aluminium (with a stainless steel option), and the frame from a coated mild steel fabrication.
Experimental Capability:
Depending on the options purchased, experiments include:
Use and performance of weirs, dams and other hydro structures
Sedimentation transport and settlement
Hull resistance tests and performance
Tidal turbine power measurement
Flow related experiments in open channels
Wind and wave effects on structures.
The Flow Channel made up of a clear acrylic working section of large depth to width ratio incorporating undershot and overshot weirs at the inlet and discharge ends respectively.
Models supplied with the channel include broad and sharp crested weirs, large & small diameter cylinders and symmetrical & asymmetrical aerofoils which, in conjunction with the inlet and discharge weirs, permit a varied range of open channel and flow visualisation demonstrations.
A dye injection system incorporated at the inlet to the channel permits flow visualisation in conjunction with a graticule on the rear face of the channel.
Water is fed to the streamlined channel entry via a stilling tank to reduce turbulence. Water discharging from the channel is collected in the volumetric tank of the Hydraulics Bench and returned to the sump for recirculation.
