Design Studies for a Closed-Jet Water Tunnel

Abstract

A variable-pressure water tunnel, which is a testing facility analogous to a wind tunnel, is a useful tool in the study of cavitation or hydrodynamic characteristics of underwater bodies. This paper includes general, selective, hydrodynamic design studies for the construction of a large closed-jet water tunnel, together with experimental model test data and design analysis of a specific selection of flow components. Each flow component is critically examined with regard to its influence on test section flow quality, cavitation, susceptibility, and energy head loss. Included are studies of the test section, contraction, diffuser, vaned elbows, and pump. Presentation in chapters devoted to single flow components simplifies the treatment and increases adaptability of the findings to conduit design problems other than water tunnels.