Circulating Water Channel
Parent Body: Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), Haslar, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 2AG

Principal Functions
Flow visualisation, drag and cavitation experiments on models.

General Details
The Circulating Water Channel provides a controlled flow environment in which a wide variety of experiments may be conducted. It is particularly suited to the video or visual observation of flow phenomena under cavitating and non-cavitating conditions for both surfaced and submerged bodies. Small scale complete ship models or larger portions of craft can be tested. The facility can also be used to test models of fixed structures such as platforms or bridges. Force and moment measurements with strain gauged posts can be conducted. Detailed flow measurement by laser Doppler velocimetry can also be made.

Specification
The test section has a width of 1.4m, a length of 5m, and a maximum water depth of 0.84m. There is an adjustable false floor that can be angled and/or raised to reduce the effective depth to a minimum of 0.15m. The channel can be operated with either an open or enclosed top. In the latter condition the pressure can be reduced for cavitation studies. The maximum water speed in the test section when empty is 5.5m/s and the pressure at the water surface can be varied between 40kN/cm² and 100kN/cm² absolute.

Special Features
Support staff for the operation of the facility may be provided. Multichannel analogue data acquisition systems and underwater closed circuit TV are available if required. Walls and cover have large window areas for observation and photography.

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. Each case is considered on merit/availability.

Charging Basis
Published rates are available, but they can be subject to individual negotiation. There is the possibility of negotiating an exchange agreement. There are no minimum or maximum hire periods.

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