Web Based Flow Visualization Facility

1
Web Based Flow Visualization Facility

• Group Members
• Justin Scott
• Sydni Credle
• Karen Davis

Mentor Dr. Shih
2
Objectives/Client Statement

• Design and build a towing tank facility and the
  associated imaging process.
• Provide visualization enhanced information to
  supplement the teaching of fluid mechanics.
• Create computer interfaced instrument control for
  remote operation via the Internet.

3
Introduction

• Learning/teaching Thermal Fluids is complex.
• Distance learning purposes
• Pre-lab student aid
• Master each component separately
• Move at own pace
• Real world applications

4
Background Information

• A fluid is a substance that readily flows under
  applied shear (gases, liquids i.e. water,
  alcohol, gasoline).
• Fluids cant be detected by the human eye,
  therefore, the concepts behind fluid mechanics
  prove to be very difficult to learn.
• Use of flow visualization to take out the guess
  work from the phenomena.

5
Simple example Ideal cylinder Vs. Real world
cylinder

• Ideal circular cylinder experiencing 2-D flow of
  a uniform stream
• Figure (left) shows symmetrical stream lines and
  no drag force.

• Real circular cylinder experiencing a non-uniform
  flow
• Figure (right) depicts the flow separation,
  creating a wake

6
Schematic diagram illustrating basic setup of
web-based flow visualization system.
7
Mechanical Design Aspects

• Design of mobile camera mounts
• Design of synchronous linkage for laser/optical
  platform
• Motor Selection
• Linear bearing system

8
Mechanical Design Aspects (continued)

• Gear Analysis
• Loading Calculations
• Material Selection and Design
• Plumbing Design
• Setup and design of video recording equipment

9
Computer Related Aspects

• Remote instrument control via the Internet using
  LabVIEW programming
• Video studio design for the lab imaging
• Real time video and data streaming via the
  Internet

10
Real World Applications
11
Real World Applications (continued)
12
Conclusion

• Completed flow visualization system is a critical
  tool in the analysis of fluid mechanics.
• Integration of the physical laboratory with the
  Internet, in turn creates a virtual laboratory.
• The final deliverable will benefit educators,
  students, and industry.

13
Acknowledgements/Bibliography

• Davis, K., Scott J., and S. Credle, Senior Design
  Proposal Web Based Flow Visualization Facility,
  FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, Tallahassee,
  2000.
• FloWorks, Engineering Fluid Dynamics for
  SolidWorks, www.floworks.com, 2000.
• White, F. M., Viscous Fluid Flow, McGraw-Hill,
  New York, 1974.