30" Quiet Water Tunnel
Parent Body: Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA), Hydrodynamic Test Centre, Haslar, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 2AG

Principal Functions
Low turbulence, low noise, high speed water tunnel

General Details
The facility is a low turbulence, low noise, high speed water tunnel. It is used in a variety of hydrodynamic and acoustic measurements, and is primarily used in the development and validation of propulsor design software, and investigation of noise caused by ducted propulsors.

Research work is conducted by staff drawn from the Centre of Marine Technology which has specialists in hydrodynamics, acoustics and vibration. The majority of work carried out in this facility is for the UK Ministry of Defence.

Specification
This facility has a cylindrical working section of 0.7m dia (30") × 4.57m length and is capable of performing experiments in flow conditions of up to 15m/sec at tunnel pressures of between 10kN/m² and 300kN/m².

An advanced technology quiet propeller drive has recently been manufactured to drive propellers for noise research. These propellers are typically 0.4m in diameter. A laser Doppler velocimeter can be traversed around the model to make flow measurements, and hydrophones can be used for noise measurements.

Special Features
Scientific and workshop staff are available to support the facility and DERA resources at other sites can be used.

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. No advance notice is necessary for requesting time on the facility. Time is allocated by the day.

Charging Basis
Charging rates are subject to negotiation, there is a possibility of negotiating an exchange agreement.

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

Contact Information
Mr B Jordan
Hydrodynamic Test Centre
Defence Evaluation and Research Agency
Haslar
Gosport
Hants
PO12 2AG
Telephone:  +44 (0) 23 9233 5195 Fax:  +44 (0) 23 9233 5390
E-mail:  bjordan@dera.gov.uk

or

Nigel Whales
Telephone: +44 (0) 23 9233 5363 Fax:  +44 (0) 23 9233 5390