Measurements of the mean and rms values of the longitudinal velocity in a rectangular duct are reported. These results were obtained in a water flow using a laser anemometer. The important design criteria which facilitated the measurements are described and gradient, transit-time, noise and refractive-index corrections are specifically discussed. The results demonstrate the development of a rectangular duct flow and, in particular, reveal that a small lack of symmetry at the duct entrance can readily be identified in the normal- stress results, 37 hydraulic diameters downstream.
The possibility of utilizing water droplets in steam and gas bubbles in water to scatter light and thereby to assist laser-anemometer studies of turbulence is discussed. Experimental evidence obtained by the authors and their colleagues is used to support the conclusions