Leveling and Centering a Tank
(L) Level versus (R) off-level tank. Notice how the fluid layer is of consistent height throughout the level tank. Meanwhile, the fluid layer varies in height in the off-level tank.
(L) Center versus (R) off-center tank. The center tank appears in the same position throughout the entire rotation cycle. In contrast, the off-center tank appears at different positions during different stages of the rotation cycle.
When performing experiments with the DIYnamics Kits or any other rotating tank platform, the tank must be level and center for optimal results. A tank is level when its bottom is oriented parallel to the horizontal plane. A tank is center when its middlepoint intersects the system’s axis of rotation. Off-level or off-center tanks create unwanted fluid motions such as surface waves that detract from experiments.
A tank can be leveled by iteratively and incrementally using a level to examine a surface’s incline and shims to adjust supports accordingly. The fluid layer of a leveled tank will be of uniform height. A tank can be centered by matching its middlepoint to the system’s axis of rotation and fixing any deviations during rotation. The rim of a centered tank will follow a consistent track throughout an entire rotation cycle.