Question

hi I need to do a mini experiment demonstrating flow around an object in which you can visualize the streamlines flowing around the object. please let me know any simple diy examples that could work. please no wind tunnel suggestions. thank you in advance

Answer 1

Flow around the bodies can be easily visualise by a simple experiment using Heleshaw apparatus. It consists of two transparent acrylic plates placed vertical in such a way that the narrow gap should be there in between the two plates. Through that gap, colourful dye as well as water can flow from top to bottom. Also, objects of various shapes can be inserted inside the flow. At the top of the plates, two small tanks with small holes are fixed. On both sides of the tank, colourful dye on one side and water on another side must be poured simultaneously. Dye and water can flow through the small holes on the middle portion of the tank wall. Water and dye will move in a straight line showing streamlines for the flow. At the bottom of the plates, valve is attached with small openings to control the flow rate inside the plates. If we placed any shape object between the two plates, streamlines will be visible according to the flow pattern. Please see the following image of the Heleshaw apparatus.