SLTEST NSTMP
(Near Surface Turbulence Measurement Plateform)

An important attribute of the SLTEST facility is that it provides the opportunity to study the fine details of boundary layer turbulence at unusually high Reynolds numbers. To accomodate the easy and precise configuration of near surface turbulence measurements, a unique tiled platform was designed built and installed. Essential elements of the platform are that it melds with the surrounding playa, it is smooth, flat and stable, its tiles (42 in all) can easily be removed by a single person, the tiles and support frame are constructed of materials resistant to the salt playa environment and the tiles and support frame can be assembled by two people in about four hours. The support frame is made of interlocking pieces of anodized aluminum (essentially no nuts and bolts required), while the tiles are made of salt and ultraviolet light resistant polyethylene.

The platform resides in a shallow marine grade concrete bunker containing drains that allow it to "float" with the variable water table of the salt playa. During a field trial the space under the tiles can be used to hold instrumentation. Owing to its quiescent flow, this is also where hot-wire calibrations are performed. If the water table is high, pumps are used to keep the space under the tiles dry.
 

 

Copyright© 2001,     Last Updated 08/15/01