A turbulence research water channel was constructed in the Acopian Engineering Center at Lafayette College. The laminar flow channel has a close-coupled centrifugal pump with a variable frequency drive for control of the free-stream velocity.
The framework is constructed of anodized extruded aluminum members from 8020. The test section is constructed of low-lead ultra-clear float glass for excellent light transmission. The inlet and end tank walls are fabricated fromy PVC.
The channel was designed to support fundamental studies, such as the study of coherent turbulent structures, as well as more applied experiments. The test section was designed with a turn to support the examination of the flow through turbomachines in the form of a linear cascade of vanes.
The facility includes an MSE miniLDV system that allows us to take high frequency single component velocity measurements for boundary layer profile measurements and statistical turbulence quantities. Here, Ritesh Maharjan (ME ’12) is performing preliminary tests of the LDV system on its temporary mount
The channel includes a support system for both the LDV and a particle image velocimetry (PIV) system. We use a LaVision system that can record 2-D, 3-D stereoscopic or 3-D Tomographic data. Here the system is recording tomographic data in a 4 camera arrangement.
The channel was designed and constructed with significant assistance by undergraduate research assistants. The process is documented in the images below:
