The design and construction of a recirculating high speed matched index of refraction facility will aim to provide a deeper understanding of isothermal turbulent mixing at a fundamental level. The understanding of this fluid flow phenomena will allow a greater understanding of the thermal hydraulic challenges found in generation IV (Gen IV) reactors and fluid thermal systems. Particle image velocimetry combined with matching index will provide unobstructed data acquisition and increase optical access in the region of interest. Mineral oil is used, as the working fluid, in combination with two 24-inch long quartz plates to achieve index matching. The two quartz plates will be inserted in a test section which will form three channels. The test section was designed with the goal of achieving a slot channel Reynolds number of at least 10,000. A 5th order polynomial contraction was also designed with the purpose to generate a uniform velocity profile before the test section's inlet. In conjunction with the contraction, a flow conditioner was placed three hydraulic diameters upstream of the contraction's inlet with the goal to reduce turbulence intensity in the flow. Two expansions were also designed in order to connect different pipe sizes and geometries in the pipe system while minimizing flow separation. The pressure drop of the system was theoretically analyzed and a 20 horsepower inline centrifugal pump was selected based on the results and it is expected to operate with an efficiency between 86% and 79%. Design and construction of the facility is completed along with filling the facility with mineral oil. Leaks in the system were addressed and fixed in order to ensure a leak tight construction. After the building electrical accommodations are adjusted, experiments can be initiated.
