Hele-Shaw flow visualisation apparatus for the study of streamlines and potential flow
The Hele-Shaw apparatus enables direct visualisation of streamlines and particle trajectories in fluid mechanics by injecting a water-soluble dye into the thin laminar flow channel formed between two precision acrylic plates.
Experiments
Definition and physical interpretation of streamlines and particle trajectories in fluid mechanics
Visualisation of laminar flow patterns around a hydrodynamic profile
Investigation of the influence of sources and sinks on streamline topology
Visualisation of flow disturbance induced by bodies of varying geometry: circular cylinder, aerofoil, sudden expansion, and sudden contraction
Description
Two acrylic plates: 1000 × 500 mm — the upper plate is hinged to allow insertion and repositioning of test bodies within the flow channel
Two supply reservoirs of 30 L each — the inlet reservoir incorporates a flow diffuser; the outlet reservoir incorporates a weir, ensuring a steady, uniform approach flow
A 500 mL dye reservoir supplying the visualisation circuit
A multi-port dye injector manifold connected to the dye reservoir, fitted with equidistantly spaced hypodermic needles that introduce parallel dye filaments into the flow channel
One isolation valve on the main supply line; two drain valves for emptying the reservoirs
Source and sink inserts fitted in the lower plate for potential-flow superposition studies
Test body set included: circular cylinder, aerofoil section, sudden expansion, and sudden contraction
