Water Channel
For experiments with air-ventilated hulls we use an open-surface water channel at WSU.
This channel has a test section with dimensions 12ft x 3ft x 2ft. The water flow is driven by two pumps.
The test section velocity is controlled by a valved bypass system on recirculating pipes,
which allows us to vary the flow velocity in the test section from 3 cm/s to above 1 m/s.
In the head and tail tanks, the water passes thorough honeycomb and stainless steel screens.
The free-stream turbulence level and variation in the cross-sectional velocity are both less than 1%.
The bottom and sides of the test section are constructed of glass to provide a full view of the phenomena under study.
Underwater view on the air-lubricated hull.
