Open subsonic wind tunnel for aerodynamic, aerofoil and wind-engineering experiments
Experiments
Measurement of drag on bluff and streamlined bodies — sphere, hemisphere, disc, cylinder, streamline shape — and comparison of drag coefficients at equal frontal area
Measurement of lift and drag on an aerofoil (NACA profile) as a function of angle of attack; determination of lift and drag coefficients
Pressure distribution around an aerofoil and around a circular cylinder at different velocities and Reynolds numbers
Boundary-layer analysis on a flat plate using a Pitot tube — development of laminar and turbulent boundary layers
Wake measurement behind bluff bodies and aerofoils, velocity deficit across the wake
Velocity profile in the working section using a Pitot-static tube; verification of Bernoulli's equation
Effect of a flap on aerofoil performance — lift, drag and stall behaviour
Investigation of aeroelastic flutter on a spring-mounted wing
Flow visualisation around aerofoils, cylinders and building/vehicle models with a smoke probe
Wind-engineering studies on scale models of structures, aeronautical models and hydraulic-machinery models, using geometric, kinematic and dynamic similarity
Description
Open, Eiffel-type subsonic wind tunnel — air is drawn from the room through a contraction nozzle and flow straightener, accelerated through a closed, transparent working section, and discharged via a variable-speed axial fan on the downstream side.
The carefully profiled contraction and honeycomb straightener produce a uniform, low-turbulence velocity field in the working section; models mount on dedicated holders on the floor and side walls.
A two- or three-component balance measures lift, drag and pitching moment on the model; a Pitot-static tube and electronic/tube manometers read the reference velocity and pressure distributions. All signals are streamed to a PC for real-time display, logging and analysis.
Features
Transparent, closed working section for clear observation of the model under test
Variable-speed axial fan with smooth velocity control across the operating range
Flow straightener for homogeneous, low-turbulence flow
Dedicated model mountings on the side walls and floor of the working section
Balance for direct lift and drag measurement, with digital display
Pitot / Pitot-static tube and inclined or electronic manometer for velocity and pressure readings
Computer-controlled operation with real-time data acquisition and graphical software
Optional accessories
NACA aerofoils (symmetric and cambered) with mounting rod
Aerofoil with adjustable flap / slat
Drag-body set — sphere, hemisphere, disc, cylinder, streamline shape
Cylinder with pressure tappings for pressure-distribution studies
Flat plate for boundary-layer investigation
Spring-mounted wing for flutter experiments
Smoke-probe generator for flow visualisation
Three-component balance (lift, drag, pitching moment) with angle feedback
