Couette Cell for Demonstrating Laminar Flow

STC.UNM has partnered with the UNM Physics department to distribute the Couette Cell for Demonstrating Laminar Flow through foliodirect. This apparatus was developed by Prototype Machinist, John DeMoss and Dr. Kevin Cahill of the Department of Physics & Astronomy.

This apparatus is an effective and safe educational tool or conceptual aide that displays the properties of laminar flow. The apparatus is designed to for easy operations and cleaning and provides great visual, real-time display of laminar flow. Students and educators will enjoy using the apparatus while gaining valuable knowledge of fluid dynamics. 

When a fluid (gas or liquid) flows in a defined manner with distinct paths it is said to be in laminar flow. Laminar flow is a fundamental physical phenomenon that occurs frequently in everyday life. However, the concept of laminar flow can sometimes be difficult to put into context when discussing fluid dynamics. Turbulent flow on the other hand may be a little easier to explain as the only requirement is that there is no order to the fluids fluctuations. When attempting to illustrate the properties associated with laminar flow this apparatus is most effective.  

This apparatus allows for the visual examination of a fluid undergoing laminar flow. Initially, within the apparatus, various colored droplets are suspended in a fluid and all are in a state of equilibrium where the different fluids are distinctly separated. When the apparatus is rotated the fluids revolve in a controlled manner and the droplets seem to become completely intermixed yet still divided from the outer fluid. After several rotations the apparatus is then operated in the reverse direction. Since the Reynolds number within this apparatus is less then one, an almost complete reversal of the previous laminar flow is undertaken. The result is that after the same amount of rotations in the opposite direction, the droplets return to their initial, distinctly separated, forms. 

Learn more about laminar flow and preview the demonstration at: http://panda.unm.edu/flash/viscosity.phtml 

Cylindrical in shape, the apparatus is made from cast acrylic plastic consisting of a base plate, top plate, outer cylinder, inner cylinder, handle and bearing. To perform the demonstration, the apparatus requires approximately 12 ounces of corn syrup, food coloring dye(s), and syringe(s) to inject the dye(s) into the corn syrup. The dye is mixed with a small amount of corn syrup before injecting into the cell to make the mixture more consistent with the clear corn syrup. The corn syrup, dye, and syringe are not included with the apparatus. 

The price of the apparatus includes a license to use it with an unlimited number of clients or viewers. There are no per-use fees or annual fees. Please note that corn syrup, dye, and syringe are not included with the purchase of this apparatus. Also please note there is a four (4) to six (6) week shipping period to receive the apparatus after purchase. 

All cells will be carefully inspected and tested before leaving the manufacturer. To purchase the plans only, please click here.

There are no refunds after purchase.  

For more information, please contact John DeMoss at (505) 277-4327 or .