The laminar, two-dimensional flow in it is a good approximation of the flow of ideal fluids: the potential flow. All physical systems described with the Laplace equation can be demonstrated with potential flow. This includes current and thermal flows as well as magnetic flux.
The core element of the trainer is a classic Hele-Shaw cell with additional water connections for sources and sinks. The laminar, two-dimensional flow is achieved by water flowing at low velocity in a narrow gap between two parallel glass plates. The parallel flow generated in this way is non-vortical and can be regarded as potential flow. Sources and sinks are generated via eight water connections in the bottom glass plate. The streamlines are displayed on the glass plate by injecting a contrast medium (ink). In experiments the flow around bodies is demonstrated by inserting models into the parallel flow. Interchangeable models such as a cylinder, guide vane profile or nozzle contour are included.
Learning Objectives And Experiments
Visualisation of streamlines in
Flow around drag bodies: cylinder, guide vane profile, square, rectangle
Flow through models: nozzle contour, sudden contraction or enlargement
Flow separation, flow with 90° deflection
Modelling the flow around bodies by overlaying parallel flow and sources and/or sinks
Formation of Rankine half-bodies
Demonstration of a dipole
Analogy between potential flow and other physical systems which are described by the Laplace equation
Specification
- Demonstration of potential flow in a Hele-Shaw cell for visualising streamlines
- Flow around supplied models: cylinder, square, rectangle, guide vane profile, various models for changes in cross-section
- Modelling the flow around contours without models by overlaying parallel flow with sources or sinks
- Water as flowing medium and ink as contrast medium
- Hele-Shaw cell made of two glass plates arranged in parallel with narrow gap
- Upper glass plate, hinged for swapping models
- Bottom glass plate with cross-shaped water connections for generating sources/sinks, can be combined as required
- Grid in the bottom glass panel for optimal observation of the streamlines
- Flow velocity, water inlet and water outlet in sources/sinks as well as dosage of the contrast medium can be adjusted by using valves
Technical Specification
- 2 glass plates, lxw: 910x585mm
- Distance between the plates: 5mm
- Bottom glass plate with eight water connections for sources/sinks
- Models
- 6 drag bodies
- 2 changes in cross-section
- Material: rubber
- Thickness: 5mm
- Injection of the contrast medium (ink)
- 19 nozzles
- Tank for contrast medium: 200ml
