Cavitation Tunnel No 2
Parent Body: Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), Haslar, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 2AG

Principal Functions
Propulsion and cavitation testing of scale model marine propulsors.

General Details
Propulsors for surface ships, submarines and other underwater vehicles are designed at DERA Haslar. Testing of scale model propulsors for propulsion and cavitation performance and for flow measurement and visualisation is performed both in open water and in the correct flow field behind scale model hulls. These tests are conducted in the No 2 Cavitation Tunnel which has a working section sufficiently large to accommodate propulsors of about 0.3m diameter.

Specification
The cavitation tunnel has a working section 2.4m wide × 1.2m high and can accommodate ship and submersible models up to 5m long. Single or multiple shaft arrangements can be tested behind models, with or without dynamometers in the shaft lines. A single centre line shaft allows open water tests to be carried out, with or without dynamometry. Experiments can be carried out at flow speeds up to 8m/s, propulsor viewing is possible with stroboscopic lighting.

Special Features
Support staff for the operation of the facility are provided.

Availability
The facility is available to other bodies in both the private and public sector. There are no restrictions on the type of body that can apply to use the facility. The advance notice required when requesting time on the facility is three months. Time is allocated first on peer review for the academic programme, then vacant slots are offered for repayment work.

Charging Basis
Charging rates are subject to negotiation.

Site Access
The site has ready access for vehicles and local accommodation is available for the hirer’s staff.

Contact Information
Ian Grant, Commercial Manager
Centre for Marine Technology
Building 58, Room 114A
DERA Haslar
Haslar Road
Gosport
Hants, PO12 2AG
Telephone: 023 9233 5130      Fax: 023 9233 5012
E-mail:  idgrant@dera.gov.uk