Fluid Mechanics Workstation

Control Box

Working with a PC connection, the control box is the brain of the apparatus. Allowing simultaneous control of 2 pumps, while taking readings from 2 flow and 2 pressure sensors, the LCD screen gives students an instantaneous readout. The readings are passed from the control box, into the PC software, which plots results for student analysis, the data can also be logged for further interrogation by students.

Pump Module

The Pump module has an operating voltage of 6-24v and produces a free-flow flow rate of 13/min. It works alongside the control box, to pump water around the apparatus. It features brass connection points for increased longevity.

Pressure Sensor

The Differential pressure sensor module is used to measure pressure in the fluid circuits; it features:

• True wet/wet differential sensing
• Easy-to-use, built-in air bleeding system
• Pressure sensing range 0-30 PSI (0-200000 Pa)
• Robust construction, simple push-fit fittings using 4mm tube

Flow Sensor

The Flow sensor module houses a calibrated turbine flow sensor, it is used to provide flow rate readout in the app and on the control module screen. It can measure 0-30l/min.

It has robust brass fittings for repeated assembly/disassembly.

Bourdon Gauge Calibration

The Bourdon gauge calibration module compares a known dead weight acting through a piston/cylinder of known diameter with the reading on the Bourdon gauge. The gauge is capable of measuring from 0-30 PSI.

The apparatus determines the accuracy and highlights the limitations of this type of pressure measurement device.

Multitube Manometer

The multitube manometer has a measurement range of 0-120mm water and 4mm tubing using self-sealing push-in fittings.

The top of each limb is connected to the same air chamber at the top, so a reference pressure different from ambient can be applied. This is achieved by attaching a syringe with scroll wheel adjustment to the top port.

U-tube and Inclined Manometer

The U-tube and inclined manometer has a measurement range of 0-110mm.

4mm tubing is attached to the pressure ports using easy-to-use push-in fittings. The inclined manometer indexes to positions at 30°,60° and 90° from horizontal.

Losses in Bends

The losses in bends module consists of a visible fluid path with 3 different 90° bend geometries.

Each bend has self-sealing pressure ports before and after each bend so the pressure drop can be measured using the multitube manometer module.

Viscosity Apparatus

The viscosity apparatus consists of a 100mm diameter clear acrylic tube filled with vegetable glycerine. This assembly is housed in a sturdy metal enclosure that protects it while in storage or transported. It features ¼-turn valves at the top and bottom to release and retrieve spherical samples used in the experiment. The experiment demonstrates Stoke’s law. Students determine the viscosity of the glycerine by measuring the terminal velocity of spherical samples through the fluid.

Centre of Pressure

The Centre of pressure module determines the center of pressure of partially and fully submerged surfaces. This experiment is carried out manually by students who can take readings and plot them within the curriculum for analysis.

Venturi Tube

The Venturi tube module is used to investigate Bernoulli’s principle. The flow section is constricted resulting in a pressure drop. Pressure ports at the widest and narrowest section permit attaching the differential pressure sensor for automated readings or the manometer module can be attached to enable manual readings.

Fundamental Fluids Curriculum

Learning Objectives/Experiments:

• Calibration of a bourdon gauge
• Centre of pressure on a partially and fully submerged plane
• Viscosity apparatus, demonstrating Stoke’s law
• Use of manometers and different types (multitube manometer, U-tube manometer and inclined manometer)
• Bernoulli’s equation and using a Venturi tube as a flow meter
• Losses in bends, measuring and comparing pressure losses of different bend geometries
• Centrifugal pump characteristics, experimentally determining the pressure/flow rate characteristics of a pump and determining the overall efficiency
• Series pumps, experimentally determining the pressure/flow characteristics of 2 pumps connected in series configuration
• Parallel pumps, experimentally determining the pressure/flow characteristics of 2 pumps connected in parallel configuration

Fluids Storage

Matrix products are easily packed away and stored in a classroom environment. The Fluids kit is no different and all 16 components, along with any accessories, are attached to and stored within the workstation.

Each component clips to the frame within the workstation and rugged plastic trays attach to the front and back of the unit for protection.

The flow pipes drop down into the workstation with the largest component, the viscosity apparatus attaching to the top of the unit.