Air/water two-phase flow test tunnel for airfoil studies

Abstract

Abstract.A test tunnel for the study of airfoil performances under air/water two-phase flow condition has been designed and constructed. This facility will serve for a better understanding of the flow phenomena and characteristics of hydraulic machinery under gas/ liquid two-phase flow operating conditions. At the test section of the tunnel, a two-dimensional isolated airfoil or a cascade of airfoils is installed in a two-phase inlet flow with a uniform velocity (up to 10 m/s) and void fraction (up to 12%) distribution. The details of the tunnel structure and the measuring systems are described and the basic characteristics of the constructed tunnel are also given. As an example of the test results, void fraction distribution around a test airfoil is shown.

Fundamentals of Multiphase Flow

“…We previously included a photograph (figure 1.6) showing heavier particles centrifuged out of vortices in a turbulent channel flow. Here, as a counterpoint, we include the photograph, figure 7.11, from Ohashi et al (1990) showing the flow of a bubbly mixture around a hydrofoil. Note the region of higher void fraction (more than four times the upstream void fraction according to the measurements) in the wake on the suction side of the foil.…”