The entire shell and all parts exposed to water are fabricated of stainless steel, brass, or fiberglass to maintain the circulating waters crystal clarity.

A carefully designed contraction with an area ratio of 6:1 or greater and a honeycomb with a high aspect ratio ensure uniform flow into the test section. The side walls of the test section are diverged to compensate for boundary layer growth which will provide a constant static pressure throughout the entire length of the test section. The diffusers (including the transition sections) are designed with an included angle of five degrees with no diffusion in the corners. Most water tunnels employ conventional pumps which transfer more energy to streamlines near the casing than to those near the hub whereas the AEROLAB pump is designed for a more uniform velocity within the entire radius of the discharge. This not only contributes to better flow uniformity but reduces cavitation when the pump is working at low pressure. Water speed control in the test section is achieved through the use of an externally mounted variable speed motor.

F-16 model with dye injection showing streamlines inside a water tunnel.