Deneysel akişkanlar mekani̇ği̇nde su tüneli̇ tasarim

The aim of this study is to comprehensively investigate the fundamental structural features, operating principles, and various engineering applications of experimental water tunnels, and to design and partially manufacture an educational water tunnel based on these findings. The primary purpose of water tunnels is to measure the effects on a model placed in the test section by directing the fluid at a specific velocity and direction. These systems are generally divided into two types: closed and open systems. Closed-circuit water tunnels involve continuous fluid circulation within the system without external contact, offering high energy efficiency and repeatable experimental conditions. However, they require significant space and cost. Open-circuit water tunnels, which were selected for this study, involve water being drawn from the external environment, filtered, passed through the tunnel, and discharged after the experiment. Upon deciding on the tunnel design concept, a literature review was conducted. Unfortunately, limited information was available regarding water tunnels, which posed challenges at the initial stage. The water tunnel was designed for educational purposes within the available resources. Designs capable of effectively capturing various flow types were examined, and a model was developed by integrating engineering knowledge. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted based on fundamental engineering principles for the water tunnel design, considering hydraulic performance, structural durability, and economic efficiency. The open-circuit system consists of a glass tank measuring 2 m × 0.7 m × 0.5 m, a PVC central channel, a variable-flow water pump, and flow-directing components. Structural elements such as steel, glass, and stainless steel were used to ensure a durable and stable experimental environment. Glass was chosen over acrylic or transparent PVC due to its superior optical clarity, scratch resistance, and resistance to clouding, enhancing the quality of visual experiments. During the manufacturing process, effective adhesives and sealing materials were used, keeping the total cost between 3,250 and 3,750 USD. The system supports adjustable flow velocities ranging, enabling visual and quantitative experiments at various Reynolds numbers. Static calculations for the chassis were performed to ensure suitability for environmental conditions.