Description
An open circuit suction subsonic wind tunnel with a working section of 600 mm by 600 mm and 1250 mm long. Package includes a Three-Component Balance, Dual Axis Pressure Traverse and associated instrumentation such as a 32-Way Pressure Display Unit and Versatile Data Acquisition System (VDAS-F).
A practical open-circuit suction wind tunnel for experiments in aerodynamics. The Subsonic Wind Tunnel is a cost-effective option to provide extensive experimental capabilities in aerodynamics.
The wind tunnel gives accurate results and is suitable for undergraduate study and research projects. TecQuipment offers a comprehensive range of instrumentation, including a computer-based data acquisition system.
Air enters the tunnel through an aerodynamically designed effuser (cone) that accelerates the air linearly. It then enters the working section and passes through a grille before moving through a diffuser and then to a variable-speed axial fan. The grille protects the fan from damage by loose objects. The air leaves the fan, passes through a silencer unit and then back out to atmosphere.
A separate control and instrumentation unit controls the speed of the air velocity in the working section and supplies electrical power to other instruments.
The working area of the tunnel is a square section with a clear roof, sides and floor. The sides are removable. The floor and each side panel has a special position to support wind tunnel models. Supplied with the wind tunnel are a protractor and a model holder to support and accurately adjust the angle of any model fitted.
Two Pitot-static tubes are provided with the wind tunnel. One is fixed near to the inlet of the working section and measures the air-flow rate. The second Pitot-static tube is attached to a two-axis traverse that allows movement horizontally (fore to aft) and vertically, for measurements throughout the working area. The traverse positions are measured using integrated DTI devices. They connect to digital pressure displays so users can observe detailed pressure readings.
A metal frame supports the wind tunnel. The frame includes lockable castors for convenient mobility. Electronic sensors on the included instrumentation can connect to TecQuipment’s Versatile Data Acquisition System (VDAS®, included). VDAS® allows accurate real-time data capture, monitoring, display, calculation and charting of all relevant parameters on a suitable computer.
Learning Outcomes
A wide variety of subsonic aerodynamics experiments are possible (models not included), for example:
- Flow past bluff and streamlined bodies with pressure and velocity observations in the wake
- Investigations into boundary layer development
- Influence of aspect ratio on aerofoil performance
- Pressure distribution around objects under sub- and super-critical flow conditions
- Study of characteristics of models involving basic measurement of lift and drag forces
- Study of the characteristics of aerofoils involving measurements of lift, drag and pitching moment
- Drag force on a bluff body normal to an air flow
- Flow visualisation (with Smoke Generator)
Included with the wind tunnel:
- Three-Component Balance
- Balance Angle Feedback Unit
- Dual Differential Pressure Display Unit
- 32-Way Pressure Display Unit
- Dual Axis Pitot-Static Traverse
- Versatile Data Acquisition System (VDAS-F)
