Patent ID: 8543342

Claim:
A towed array flow noise test apparatus operable with a water flow test facility having a circular main flow channel with an aperture defined in a longitudinal wall thereof, said apparatus comprising: an enclosure longitudinally adjacent the circular main flow channel and in fluid communication with a flow having a flow velocity in the main flow channel via the aperture; a tensioning apparatus comprising a load cell with said tensioning apparatus having a distal end in fixed relation to a first end of said enclosure; a hose module faired within said enclosure, said hose module having one end held in fixed relation to a second end of said enclosure, and a second end of said hose module in communication with a proximal end of said tensioning apparatus, said tensioning apparatus configured to apply a tension to said hose module; and at least one sensor situated within said hose module, said at least one sensor having at least one sensor output terminal configured to provide a signal representative of a value measured by said sensor; wherein said test apparatus is configured to provide outputs from the sensors while changes in the flow velocity in the main channel vary from 1 meter per second to 15.5 meters per second; wherein said apparatus is configured to control the applied tension independently of the flow velocity in the main channel.