The objective of this proposal is to construct a multi-purpose facility which allows instructions in computerized measurement techniques through fundamental experiments in fluid mechanics. The facility is a water channel whose design allows for the study of external flows such as the flow around bluff bodies and familiar airplane shapes. The design also allows study of internal flows such as diffusers and nozzles through the insertion of false walls. Two measurement systems will be initially used on the channel: hotfilm anemometry and laser doppler anemometry. Both of these systems will incorporate computer-controlled data acquisition and reduction. The selected computer system uses symbolic programming in a language which is both powerful in application and simple to learn. This facilitates simple modification of both the acquisition and reduction modules by the students so that they may design their own experiments and easily adapt the classroom experiments.
