Physical modeling of flow near the edge of the model of underwater tidal power plant with the use of digital flow visualization
Methods for research in the field of experimental aero-hydrodynamics make it possible to visualize liquid and gas flows near building structures and facilities. One of the most contemporary methods of flow visualization, Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), is a method with a wide field of application, ease of use, and clarity of the final results. In order to study the flow near the edge of an underwater tidal power plant with horizontal bulb units, a series of experiments were carry out with the use of this method. For this purpose, a model, which is a rectangular prism with two horizontal rows of holes simulating channels for placement of hydroturbines in its central part, was created. As a result of the results processing, instantaneous velocity vector fields, which are then converted into time-averaged pictures of the flow lines and velocity fields, have been obtained. Experiments made it possible to visually examine the picture of the flow near the edge of the model of underwater tidal power plant. To obtain more detailed results it is necessary to conduct series of improved experiments, in which the number of details of the model will be increased and the flow will be changed.