Measurement of Flow Field Behind Transparent Model using Refractive Index Matching Method

—Basic Study for Use in the Ship Model Basin—

Abstract

In order to improve the effects of an energy-saving duct installed in front of a propeller of a ship, a measurement system of the flow inside the duct is to be developed. For that purpose in a ship model basin the transparent material close to the refractive index of water is required. In this study, a measurement of a flow field behind a model made by a transparent material, CYTOP, has been carried out by PIV system. From the test in a small circulating water tank, it is found that the flow field measured by the model of CYTOP can be measured for the mainstream velocity with difference of 2.5% or less. From the study CYTOP is one of the promising materials for using the flow field measurement by the refractive index matching method in a ship model basin.