Hessert Water Tunnel
At the Hessert Center, a horizontal continuous flow free surface water tunnel is available for studying a wide range of aerodynamic and fluid dynamic phenomena. The tunnel test section is 38.1 cm (15 in.) wide, 45.7 cm (18 in.) high, and 152.4 cm (60 in.) long and is constructed principally of tempered glass to permit maximum viewing of the model for flow visualization studies. Water velocities up to 39 cm/sec (1.28 ft/sec) can be obtained. A platform force balance is available for measuring lift, drag and quarter chord movement of small airfoil/wing models. Detailed flow surveys can be accomplished by using the Hessert Center's Aerometrics three-component fiber optic laser anemometer or a Dantec digital particle imaging velocimetry system. Flow visualization can be accomplished using hydrogen bubble or dye injection techniques. Current research includes a study of the vortex flows for low aspect ratio airfoils and wings at various angles of attack and the effect of the flowfield on the aerodynamic forces.
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Water Tunnel Flow Visualization: Lead Precipitation Technique; Circular Cylinder-
End View
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Water Tunnel Flow Visualization: Lead Precipitation Technique; Circular Cylinder-
Top View