Wind Tunnels. A detailed approach to analysing and comparing wind tunnel theory

Academic Paper , 2021 , 36 Pages , Grade: A

Engineering - Aerospace Technology

Wind tunnels are a great way of obtaining precise and accurate data on an aerofoil or model aircraft. They are crucial because they help engineers save a lot on resources; rather than having to make a full prototype by "winging it", as they say, with a wind tunnel, it is possible to test a collection of low-cost models prior to the prototyping stage in order to find the best configuration for a design.

As such, this assignment will cover the operation of wind tunnels from multiple points of view, looking at the various uses of a wind tunnel both from theoretical and practical points of view.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Task 1 – wind tunnel types
Subsonic wind tunnel
Transonic wind tunnel
Advantages of low-speed wind tunnels
Open return wind tunnel
Closed return wind tunnel
Disadvantages of low-speed wind tunnels
Open return wind tunnel
Closed return wind tunnel
Supersonic wind tunnel
1. Introduction
1.1 Experiment 1 – Wind tunnel calibration
1.2 Experiment 2 – NACA 2412 aerofoil with variable flap
2. Objectives
2.1 Experiment 1 – Wind tunnel calibration
2.2 Experiment 2 – NACA 2412 aerofoil with variable flap
3. Theory
3.1 Experiment 1
Measuring velocity using a pitot probe
Measuring pressure distribution using a manometer
Boundary layer theory
Force coefficients from distribution of pressure
3.2 Experiment 2
Aerofoil theory - forces on an aerofoil
Drag force equation
Lift force equation
Pitching moment equation
High lift devices
4. Instrumentation used on the wind tunnel
5. Precautions and procedure
5.1 Precautions
5.2 Procedure
5.2.1 Experiment 1 – reference velocity
Experiment 1 - Velocity profile
5.2.2 Experiment 2 – NACA 2412 variable flap aerofoil
Starting the wind tunnel
Inserting the aerofoil model
Wind tunnel test procedure
6. Results and discussions
6.1 Experiment 1
6.1.1 Reference velocity
6.1.2 Velocity profile
6.2 Experiment 2
7. Sources of error
Conclusion
Bibliography

• Course: Aerospace Technology II
• Grade: A
• Author: Abdusselam Šabić (Author)
• Publication Year: 2021
• Pages: 36
• Catalog Number: V1264786
• ISBN (PDF): 9783346707918
• ISBN (Book): 9783346707925
• Language: English
• Tags: wind tunnel, aerodynamics, aerospace, engineering, aeronautical