Measurement of Fluid Distributions in a Rotating Fluid Coupling Using High Resolution Gamma Ray Tomography

Abstract

Gamma ray tomography has been used to visualize fluid distributions in a rotating fluid coupling in different operation points at a pump speed of 780rpm and lower turbine speeds. The gamma ray computed tomography system comprises a Cs-137 isotopic source and a high resolution gamma ray detector. An angle synchronized tomographic data acquisition technique was applied to produce sharp slice images from different positions along the coupling axis. The data have been used to assess the hydraulic behavior of the fluid coupling and to help improve our understanding of the flow structure development and its implications on torque transfer in such a device.