Abstract A rectangularly shaped tank having at least one transparent wall is partially filled with fluids having discrete specific gravities to ensure a stratified separation of the fluids within the tank. A visual observation of this separation is aided by dyeing the fluids different colors. A reciprocating vane or bellows is suspended in the liquid and, via an appropriate driving mechanism, is reciprocated at various frequencies and magnitudes imparting an internal wave motion to the layered fluids to simulate oceanographic internal waves found in the strata of the ocean as determined by volumes of water having distinct salinities, temperatures, or currents, etc. A variablespeed fan disposed in a recirculating-air system impels air onto the exposed upper surface of the fluids simulating wind conditions and their creation of various surface waves. Highfrequency sonar or optical beam forming and receiving device transducers are optionally mounted at opposite ends of the tanks in the separate layers to transmit and receive signals through the layers and thus provide, through appropriate monitoring circuitry and devices, an indication of the effects of surface and internal wave action on the signals.
An apparatus for providing a visual representation of the interaction between levels of liquid strata comprising: a plurality of liquids each having a discrete density arranged in layers; a container having a first portion defining an enclosed airspace adjacent and above the top one of said liquids and a second portion shaped to maintain said layers; means for impelling air through said airspace onto said top one being disposed in said airspace; means for displacing said liquids being immersed for reciprocal travel therein; and means for permitting a visual observation of said interaction between levels caused by the simultaneously actuated airimpelling means and the reciprocable displacing means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
107 words
An apparatus for providing a visual representation of the interaction between levels of liquid strata comprising: a plurality of liquids each having a discrete density arranged in layers; a container having a first portion defining an enclosed airspace adjacent and above the top one of said liquids and a second portion shaped to maintain said layers; means for impelling air through said airspace onto said top one being disposed in said airspace; means for displacing said liquids being immersed for reciprocal travel therein; and means for permitting a visual observation of said interaction between levels caused by the simultaneously actuated airimpelling means and the reciprocable displacing means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 further including: actuating means joined to the displacement means for imparting displacements of said layers according to selectively different magnitudes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
An apparatus according to claim 2 in which said container is a rectangular tank and said observation means is at least one transparent wall of said tank.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
An apparatus according to claim 3 in which said displacement means is a motor-driven reciprocating apparatus joined to a reciprocating vane suspended in contact with at least one of said layers.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
An apparatus according to claim 4 further including: a duct joined at opposite ends to said first portion defining said enclosed air space for recirculating said impelled air onto said surface, and in which the impelling means is a motor-driven fan.