The Rotating-Beam Channel and 30-Inch Water Tunnel at Admiralty Research Laboratory

Abstract

To meet a programme of research into the behaviour of underwater weapons, major research facilities including a rotating-beam channel and a 30-inch water tunnel have been designed and constructed by the Ministry of Works in collaboration with the Royal Naval Scientific Service. The rotating-beam channel provides for towing submerged bodies in a circular path of 45-55 feet radius at speeds up to 150 ft. per sec. Models up to 20 feet long can be accommodated. The water is maintained at optical clarity by continuous filtration and chemical dosing. The water tunnel has a slotted wall working section 30 inches in diameter and 15 feet long, providing for experiments on models up to 10 inches in diameter at water velocities up to 60 ft. per sec., static pressure can be varied from 0·1 to 3 atm. Ancillary plant maintains the water to within a specified temperature range and air content. Both plants are provided with high-accuracy speed control by means of a Ward Leonard system equipped with electronic speed-holding servo.