Introduction To Wind Tunnels.docx

Introduction to Wind Tunnels: Wind tunnel is device for producing a controlled stream of air in order to study the effects of movement through air or resistance to moving air on models of aircraft and other machines and objects. Provided that the airstream is properly controlled, it is immaterial whether the stationary model under testing is designed to move through the air, as an aircraft, or to withstand wind pressures while standing in place, as a building.

Types of Wind Tunnels: Wind tunnels are typically classified by the speed in the test section:  Subsonic Wind tunnel.  Transonic Wind tunnel.  Supersonic Wind tunnel.  Hypersonic Wind tunnel.

Flotek 360 – Laboratory Wind Tunnel: Close Window. Overall Length 7'-6". GDJ Flotek 360 Wind Tunnel.

The automated wind tunnel has been designed based on the Flotek or Aerolab wind tunnels. It can be used as a research bench as well as an educational laboratory. The 360 is similar to the 250 but provides a test section of greater cross section. It can be bench top mounted, or an optional mobile stand is available. In addition to the standard airfoil demonstrations and the golf ball demonstration, the larger test section allows a wider range of demonstrations to be undertaken, including a racing car demonstration and airflow patterns around buildings. The 360 includes a 16 tube manometer bank as standard equipment.

Institute of Space Technology

Incompressible Aerodynamics

3/4/19

10×10 Abe Silverstein Supersonic Wind Tunnel: The Abe Silverstein Supersonic Wind Tunnel (10x10) was designed to test supersonic propulsion components such as inlets, nozzles, and engines. The facility is also ideally suited for launch vehicle tests and other fuel burning applications. It can operate as either a closed loop system (aerodynamic cycle) or open-loop system (propulsion cycle) and can reach test section speeds ranging from Mach 2.0 to 3.5. Test Section: 10-ft high by 10-ft wide by 40-ft long Mach Number: 0 to 0.36 and 2.0 to 3.5 Altitude: (supersonic operation). 50,000 to 154,000 ft (Aerodynamic Cycle). 57,000 to 77,000 ft (Propulsion Cycle).

Institute of Space Technology

Incompressible Aerodynamics

3/4/19

Flow Visualisation Wind Tunnel: A vertical, suction-type wind tunnel with smoke visualisation. Allows demonstrations and student investigations into the flow of air around a wide variety of differently shaped models. Ideal for small group experiments or classroom demonstrations, the apparatus is floor standing. A variable-speed fan mounted on top of the wind tunnel produces the air flow through the working section. Air flow is vertically upwards. A smoke generator connects to a comb mounted in the wind tunnel below the working section. Students can move the comb from side to side to aid investigations into the aerodynamic properties of a test model. Smoke is produced by the vapourisation of a highquality food-grade oil. A filter helps provide uniform air flow. The smoke is non toxic. The front wall of the working section of the wind tunnel is transparent and removable. This enables users to easily and quickly attach the optional models to the back of the working section. It also allows a clear view of the smoke trails. The wind tunnel includes a set of models, with an additional set available separately (AF80b). Lamps illuminate the working section from both sides to improve the visibility of the smoke. The wind tunnel is held on a metal frame fitted with castors for mobility. A control unit on the frame contains the controls for the fan speed.

Institute of Space Technology

Incompressible Aerodynamics

3/4/19

Flight Demonstration Wind Tunnel: An open-circuit wind tunnel incorporating a suspended aircraft model with realistic controls for classroom demonstrations and student investigations into a variety of aircraft flight principles. Air enters the working section through a flow straightener. The throttle controls the air speed in the tunnel by regulating an axial flow fan downstream of the working section. The change in air speed in the wind tunnel simulates the effect of increasing the change in air speed of a real aircraft due to a change in thrust from the propeller.

C2 Subsonic Wind Tunnel : The Armfield Wind Tunnel provides a comprehensive facility for the study of subsonic aerodynamics. The performance of the tunnel and its instrumentation also make it suitable for simple research projects.It is aSelf-contained wind tunnel for the study of subsonic aerodynamics, complete

with two-component balance system and airspeed indicator.

Institute of Space Technology

Incompressible Aerodynamics

3/4/19

Institute of Space Technology

Incompressible Aerodynamics

3/4/19