[zel0]

I am seeking some information on ways to create or enhance flow turbulence in a water filled test flume.


I am seeking a method to enhance turbulence levels in a flow stream by utilizing static flow obstructions. My idea being, that as the water flows around the obstruction, turbulence is created downstream. I am fairly confident someone may have modeled this before, and I’m hoping that that we don’t necessarily have to re-create the wheel. We're thinking some kind of picket fence or vanes placed across the flow stream should work, but we don't know.


What I am hoping to find, is what size and types of flow obstructions work to create downstream turbulence? Our water flume is approximately 118” in length, 22” wide, and about 23” high. We use a water level of 20” +/- 0.25” to produce a velocity of 0.12-0.13 feet/sec at 166 gpm – 176 gpm flow rate in the flume. We are targeting a turbulence level of ~0.005 ft2/s2.

Thanks in advance if you can provide any information to assist me.

[harishg]

Look for papers on airfoil and airfoil flow control. Another way of enhancing turbulence is to induce swirl in the flow. It has been shown to enhance mixing and turbulence.