FM-432 | Flow Visualization Channel Apparatus

The channel consists of a clear acrylic working section of large depth-to-width ratio incorporating undershot and overshot weirs at the inlet and discharge ends respectively. 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. A dye injection system incorporated at the inlet to the channel enables flow visualisation in conjunction with a graticule on the rear face of the channel. Models supplied with the channel include broad and sharp-crested weirs, large and small-diameter cylinders and symmetrical and asymmetrical aerofoils. These in conjunction with the inlet and discharge weirs, permit a varied range of open channel and flow visualisation demonstrations, Adjustable feet permit levelling.

Learning Objectives

• To visualise flow patterns around immersed objects in an open channel
• Demonstration of flow phenomena in an open channel
• Undershot and Overshot weirs
• Broad Crested and Sharp Crested Weirs
• Discharge beneath a sluice gate
• Creation of a hydraulic jump downstream of a sluice gate and weir
• Drowning of a sluice gate and weir
• Flow over a broad crested and sharp edged weir
• Supercritical (fast) and sub-critical (slow) flows over the weir