Description

The F1-38 Hele Shaw Apparatus provides a very visual means of showing potential flow in the field of fluid dynamics. The water flows through a very narrow channel which is formed between two plates causing the water to flow in a special way.

The mean velocity of the water along the channel obeys equations as those for local velocity in potential flow. The water flow within the channel is designed to be in a steady, laminar state.

The apparatus injects dye (by gravity) into the water flow to produce streamlines that clearly show the effect of different flow conditions around shapes and/or with the use of sinks and sources. F1-38 Hele Shaw Apparatus is a demonstration of classic experiments with visualisation of flow behaviour by injection of dye as a steady flow in a working cell.

The apparatus is designed to fit onto the top of the standard F1-10 series hydraulic bench forming part of the F1 series fluid mechanics’ range. The F1-10 Hydraulics Bench can be used as work surface and water collection sump.

The apparatus requires a supply of clean cold water, with an optional overhead tank (F1-38a supplied separately), available if required. In addition the optional F1-38b Visualisation accessory allows the user to capture or project video or still images via use of the supplied USB camera.

Features & Benefits

• Highly visual apparatus enabling the demonstration of a wide variety of flow patterns around different shapes
• Includes dye injection system
• Accessory to F1-10 bench
• Supplied with spare material for user defined shapes
• Optional visualiser F1-38b allows the user to capture or project video or still images via use of the supplied USB camera
• Supplied with comprehensive manual

Demonstration Capabilities

Ideal flow around immersed bodies

• Cylinder
• Aerofoil
• Bluff body

Ideal flow associated with sinks and sources

• Formation of a Rankine half body
• Formation of a Rankine oval
• Circular streamlines from a doublet
• Superposition of sinks and sources User defined shape

Ideal flow in channels and at boundaries

• Convergent channel
• Divergent channel
  • 90-degree bend
  • Sudden contraction
  • Sudden enlargement

Technical Specifications

Working section

Viewing Area:                    892mm
Sinks/source/closed:        4 points
Dye injectors:                    16
Dye:                                     Food based dye
Flow control valve:            Operates fully closed (0) to fully open(11)
Camera requirements:       USB – PC: Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP
Operational water pressure min/max: 0.2 – 0.3bar

Requirements

• Water supply
• Drain: Suitable for water containing dye