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Accueil > Actualités > Événements > Événements 2010

The Coriolis II project

The story

Since December 2007 we know that the Coriolis rotating platform is now set for demolition in order to allow future development of the Rue des Martyrs, which is based on 2 main projects : the extension of Line B of the tramway and the urbanism program GIANT .

Since then, we are working on the rebuilding of this unique facility. We just hired Jerome Lacipiere, mechanical engineer, whos work is dedicated to the study of the new platform.

Projet Coriolis II

Why rebuild ?

After 50 years of loyal service (25 years of applied research and 25 years of basic research), this equipment must be rebuilt for several reasons :

- Is the largest rotating platform in the world.
- The scientific community, especially in Europe, claims its services.
- This machine fits into the societal issues related to the environment.
- It is a wonderful training tool for scientific problems on a human scale.

Reconstruction is also an exceptional opportunity to renovate and improve the mechanical elements of the instrument that suffered 50 years of constraints without interruption.

How to rebuild ?

For this project has any chance of success it is necessary that its cost remains within reasonable limits. To do this we made several deliberate choices :

- Keep the main dimensions. Small change showed no obvious interest.
- Retain the mechanical principles which have been successful for 50 years.
- Use feedback to keep the good and eliminating evil.
- The maximum reuse of existing equipment, although it remained very limited.

Under these conditions, the reconstruction can be envisaged with few delays, a total cost (building + mechanical) content, and virtually zero risk.

What are the improvements ?

We can consider this reconstruction as an opportunity and an advantage to build a machine more powerful and more in tune with current concerns. We can already note some provisions of which the list is not exhaustive :

- The rotating part (roller, rail, pivot, control) has been revised.
- The experimental section (bearing structure and experimental vessel) will be much more functional.
- The portic of instrumentation will be reused with the possibility of differential rotation independent of the machine.
- The rotating assembly will be isolated from outside air to eliminate the practice of water in the tank.
- The dynamic performance of the whole are revised upwards : maximum rotation down to 10s, can rotate in both directions and oscillating around 0.
- It will be possible to add some equipment to unusual geometries such as a tall tank, an annular channel...
- Security issues mainly related to the rotation has been completely redesigned.

Where and when ?

It is expected that CORIOLIS II will be installed in a new building near the LEGI on the campus of Saint Martin d’Heres. Latest forecasts indicate a start of construction of the building in March 2011 under the supervision of works of the Grenoble-INP. The experimental part could then begin in September 2011 and be completed in June 2012.

Schematic diagram (in french)

Schéma de principe