Design of a Closed Jet, Open Circuit Water Tunnel for the Study of Wake Mechanics

Abstract

This Technical Note describes the design of an open-circuit water tunnel with a 7-1/2 inch by 9 inch closed-jet working section. The maximum velocity obtainable in the empty test section is approximately 50 fps. The water tunnel was built for the purpose of investigating wakes behind objects placed in its test section. In particular, a study is to be made of the relationship between the trailing edge geometry of two-dimensional flat plates, the frequency of vortex shedding from them and the resulting elastic response of the plates when placed at zero angle of attack.