Flow Visualization Apparatus Restoration and Analysis

Presenter Information

Josh Braband, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU Ballroom

Start Date

5-4-2010 10:00 AM

End Date

5-4-2010 12:00 PM

Student's Major

Mechanical and Civil Engineering

Student's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Mentor's Name

Patrick Tebbe

Mentor's Department

Mechanical and Civil Engineering

Mentor's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Description

In fluid dynamics much can be learned by studying how fluids flow around and through various objects. These flows can be analyzed using different equations and can be graphed using streamline functions. The P6247 Cussons Technology Flow Visualization Apparatus allows for flows of a range of speeds to be visualized in and around different objects. The purpose of this experiment was to repair the existing Flow Visualization Apparatus and then photograph the flow around different objects to compare the experimental flow with the expected flow patterns of the object. The Flow Visualization Apparatus was found tucked away in a corner of a lab at Minnesota State University Mankato and out of working order after being out of use for 15 years. Parts of the apparatus were replaced and others repaired so that the apparatus was once again in working order. Different objects were then analyzed at different speeds of flow. By varying the lighting of the apparatus and the shutter speed of the camera the variations of the flow were captured photographically. It was found that the flow fields observed in the testing apparatus matched the expected visual representation of the flow. The repair and verification of the Flow Visualization Apparatus allows this piece of equipment to be used as a demonstration tool so future students will be able to see how fluids flow in and around objects.