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Active Fluid Control

Hardware V1

Second-generation tabletop water channel featuring better flow characteristics in the test section, simplified manufacturing and assembly, and tool-less maintenance.

What's in this version.

V1 consists of a core assembly comprising the support frame, turning vanes, test section, propulsion system, and electronics cabinet. This configuration forms the minimum functional water channel. Additional capabilities — like automatic seeding, low-cost PIV, and other sensing systems — will be released later as modular add-ons.

Build instructions and documentation are organized by sub-assembly and are available below. A core-system bill of materials and a full .STEP assembly are also provided.

Manufacturing

  • Additive manufacturing. Each sub-assembly includes a .3MF print plate prepared for a Bambu Lab X1E printer. Original .STL files are also provided.
  • Laser cutting. Where required, a .DXF file is provided for each laser-cut part. Recommended material and thickness are indicated in the file name.
  • Metal fabrication. Some components must be fabricated from metal. Technical drawings and individual .STEP files are included. Where appropriate, .DXF files are also provided for waterjet cutting.
  • Electronics. A circuit diagram is included. Note that the system contains high-voltage components; appropriate safety procedures should be followed.

Coming soon

  • Automatic seeding device.
  • LED-based PIV measurement system.

Costs at a glance

CHF 2’600 platform only + CHF 7’100 vision / laser vision + CHF 470 vision / led vision · v1 only · alternative to laser + CHF 80 actuation / 1 cylinder + CHF 240 actuation / 3 cylinders + CHF 480 actuation / 6 cylinders

V1 only — more actuation modules are in development, including morphing hydrofoils and multi-element wings.

Improvements over V0

  • Tool-less maintenance. Snap-fit joints replace screws; sub-assemblies detach and reattach without tools while preserving alignment.
  • Repeatable positioning. Components mount to a standalone aluminium-extrusion frame, eliminating manual placement.
  • Improved flow quality. CFD-optimized hydrofoil turning vanes, 5th-order polynomial contraction, and elongated honeycomb.
  • Transparent test section. Thermally bent acrylic walls replace printed PLA for better surface finish and optical access.
  • External propulsion. Motor sits outside the tank with magnetic coupling — easy to swap and maintain.
  • Modular actuation. Designed for multiple actuation modules, from cylinders to morphing hydrofoils and multi-element wings.

Assembly guides.

Build packages.

Bill of materials
Full-assembly CAD
End-to-end assembly manual

Publications using this channel.