Hydrodynamic Tesla Wheel Flume for model and prototype testing

The Ocean Engineering department at Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) has developed a Hydrodynamic Tesla Wheel Flume that is scheduled to be deployed for testing of models and prototypes. Using flow analysis, the researchers at Florida Tech developed the system to create a steady laminar flow simulating the natural flow of fluid around a moving vehicle/vessel. The following design parameters were implemented: the apparatus must be 1) semi-portable, 2) cost efficient (inexpensive), and most importantly 3) have an effective and accurate laminar flow. The design and implementation met all requirements and the flume is ready for deployment as an efficient and effective alternative to current testing facilities.