The Large Cavitation Channel

The Large Cavitation Channel (LCC) of the David Taylor Model Basin, CDNSWC, is a large variable pressure water tunnel recently put into operation in Memphis, Tennessee. This facility incorporates many of the latest technological concepts in the design of hydrodynamic and hydroacoustic test facilities. This paper discusses a number of the key technical and design issues that had to be addressed first in the basic specifications and then in the final features as constructed. Issues include: size, shape, speed. pressure range, turbulence management, turning vanes, contraction and diffuser, main pump impeller, hydroacoustic considerations of noise sources, quieting, and noise measurement; and operational features involving model size, powering, and measurement of model propulsor thrust and torque.