This week, adjustments were made to the Venturi flow meter design. The new calculated dimensions of the pipe can be seen in the Solidworks Drawing file. These dimensions were changed because of a modification to the flow calculations. Also, because the Venturi is going to be connected to the hose attached to the radiator, the flow meter needs to fit the hose closely. The model will be added a ridge at the end of each opening to further ensure the connection between the hose and Venturi.

Diameters used:    Do= 1.5in    α =21deg     Hose inner   d = 1.8in

Di = 1.1in     β =7 deg     Total length L = 5.97in

We are now certain that we will be testing this flow meter by printing it using a fused deposition machine that extrudes ABS plastic. The Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene plastic is extruded at a temperature of 215-245 degrees Celsius which means that the Venturi should be fine since we only expect the flow inside to go up to a temperature of 212 degrees Fahrenheit. RapidTech, here at UCI, provides flashforges that can be used by students charging only four dollars for every hour the part being made takes to print. Our estimation for the time needed to print this Venturi design would be about 10 hours. Also to make the pipe fairly smooth, it may be placed in an acetone bath to smooth out the plastic for maximum performance. By next week, the model will be printed and tested to see if the design was successful. If so, the flow meter will be used to measure the coolant flow.

By Dani Lopez, Engine Test Bed