Questions from previous year Question Papers I for WTT

PART – A (10 x 2 = 20)

Answer All the Questions
1. Define Reynolds number?
2. Define Mach number?
3. What is meant by subsonic and transonic speed regime?
4. Define critical Mach number?
5. Name any two equipments used in the calibration of wind tunnels.
6. What is meant by LDA?
7. What is meant by PIV?
8. Name any two equipments used for the measurement of force?
9. How are the surface streamlines and turbulence measured in wind tunnels?
10. What is the technique adopted to visualize Shock waves.

PART – B (5 x 16 = 80)
Answer All the Questions
11. Explain the Buckingham’s Pi Theorem.
(or)
12. Briefly discuss the scale effects of similarities.
13. Discuss the classification of wind tunnels in detail.
(or)
14. Explain with a neat diagram the layout of a subsonic wind tunnel.
15. Explain the techniques used for Turbulence measurements in a wind tunnel.
(or)
16. Explain in detail the calibration of a supersonic tunnel.
17. Explain with a neat sketch the working of a hot wire anemometer.
(or)
18. Briefly explain the measurement of pressure, velocity and force in a wind tunnel.
19. Discuss the smoke and tuft grid techniques used for flow visualization.
(or)
20. Briefly explain the optical methods used for flow visualization.

PART - A (10 X 2 = 20)

Answer ALL the Questions
1. Explain the term dynamic similarity.
2. Define Mach number.
3. Define laminar and turbulent flow.
4. What are the classifications of wind tunnel?
5. Name any two equipments used in the calibration of wind tunnels.
6. Define horizontal buoyancy.
7. What is meant by LDA?
8. Name any two equipments used for the measurements of velocity.
9. How are the surface streamlines and turbulence measured in wind tunnels?
10. What is meant by PIV?
PART – B (5 x 16 = 80)
Answer All the Questions
11. Explain the Buckingham’s Pi theorem.
(or)
12. Explain the dynamic similarity between a wind tunnel model and the prototype to be flight-tested.
What are the essential conditions to be satisfied for the results to be carried from the model to the
prototype? Are there any limitations or preconditions involved?
13. What is understood by the term low speed wind tunnel in aerodynamic testing? Describe with
brief details through sketches and plots, various types of low speed wind tunnels based upon the
details of the flow in test section.
(or)
14. Write notes on:
(a) setting Mach number in a transonic wind tunnel
(b) Measurements of turbulence level in a transonic wind tunnel. Explain the techniques used for
turbulence measurements in a wind tunnel.
15. Describe the basis for the measurement of pressure and instruments used for the purpose. What
are its advantages and applications? Illustrate with theory and an example. It is desired to obtain
pressure distribution of a rotating circular cylinder kept in the test section of a wind tunnel.
(or)
16. Explain in detail the calibration of a supersonic wind tunnel.
17. Explain with a neat sketch the working of a hot wire anemometer.
(or)
18. What types of wind tunnel balances are used to ascertain forces and moments on an airplane
model in a low speed wind tunnel? Hence describe the underlying principles of an external type wind
tunnel balance for measuring lift, drag and pitching moments over a finite span wing.
19. Explain the phenomenon of separation of flow over a 2D wing with the help of liquid paraffin
generated smoke wire technique with good sketches. What are its merits over kerosene generated
smoke?
(or)
20. Briefly explain the optical methods used for flow visualization.

PART – A (10 x 2 = 20)

Answer All the Questions
1. What is geometrical similarity in wind tunnel testing of models?
2. What is boundary layer correction in the test section design of wind tunnels?
3. What is turbulence factor of a subsonic wind tunnel?
4. How is test section speed measured in case of a subsonic wind tunnel?
5. How are wind tunnel balances classified?
6. What is the basic principle involved in the interferometer method of flow visualization?
7. What are the advantages of flow visualization methods?
8. How is total pressure estimated in the test section of a super sonic wind tunnel?
9. What is horizontal buoyancy?
10. What are the limitations of dye injection method for flow visualization?

PART – B (5 x 18 = 60)
Answer All the Questions
11. (a) State Buckingham theorem. How is thus theorem useful in the experiments using wind
tunnels?
(b) What is the basic principle behind hot wire anemometer? What are its limitations?
(or)
12. Define the following non-dimensional numbers: force coefficient, Euler number, Reynold’s
number and moment coefficient. How do the model scale effects influence the wind tunnel test
results?
13. How are the wind tunnels classified? What are the special problems of testing in hypersonic wind
tunnels?
(or)
14. Sketch the typical layout of a supersonic wind tunnel and mark all the components and
subsystems. What is starting problem in supersonic tunnels?
15. Write short notes on the following topics:
(a) Flow angularities in wind-tunnel testing.
(b) Turbulence intensity measurements in wind tunnel test section.
(or)
16. With a neat illustration explain the objective of calibration of a wind tunnel. In what way the
calibration procedure for a supersonic tunnel different from that of a subsonic wind tunnel?
17. Distinguish between internal and external wind tunnel balances. Briefly explain how force
measurements are carried out using an external strain gauge balance.
(or)
18. Bring out the essential features of a strain gauge based six component internal wind balance.
Explain how the six components are measured using the balance.
19. With neat illustration explain the basic principles of Schelieren method of flow visualization.
What are the advantages and limitations of the method?
(or)
20. Write short notes on the following techniques:
(a) Smoke technique for flow visualization.
(b) Use of tufts and electrical techniques for flow visualization studies.

WIND TUNNEL TECHNIQUIES

Answer any FIVE Questions All Questions carry equal marks
1. Explain the term Dynamic similarity in aerodynamic testing. Does it influence the
aerodynamic characteristics of a model under testing? Hence state the PI theorem and work out
dimensionless groups upon which depend the aerodynamic characteristics of a model under tests
in a wind tunnel
2. Show with good sketches a comparison of the aerodynamics of a closed ckt , open jet wind
tunnel with an open test section ,open ckt wind tunnel for the same capabilities. Which of the
two is economical in the longer run? Illustrate with reference to operational charges and
fabrication cost
3. Show with a detailed sketch salient features of a continuous type supersonic wind tunnel.
What are its similarities with a continuous, return type subsonic tunnel; explain with a sketch.
4. You are in the process of designing and fabricating a new low speed wind tunnel. What is the
right location of pressure taps for conducting experiments for speed setting of this tunnel?
Describe theory and the procedure to be followed in this case.
5. Describe an electronic manometer for recording pressures simultaneously from multiple
pressure ports with neat sketches. How does it differ from an ordinary multi- tube manometer?
6. Describe a platform type external balance with line diagrams and sketches for measuring all
six components on airplane and missile models. Draw good sketches and plots in support of your
answer.
 7. A tuft grid is considered a supplementary flow visualization technique and used in
conjunction with smoke flow visualization. Make use of this technique for explaining flow over
a circular cylinder and in its field of influence by arranging tuft grid as deemed fit.
8. Explain the superiority of oil flow visualization technique over some other surface flow
visualization techniques. What are the factors that contribute to realistic results from this
technique? Apply this method for viewing stalled flow over a finite span wing model:sting
mounted in the test section in laminar and turbulent flows with pitch-changing mechanisms and
present the results in the form of good sketches.

PART -B

UNIT I
1. Derive on the basis of dimensional analysis suitable parameters to present the thrust developed
by a propeller. Assume that the thrust depends on the angular velocity, speed of advance,
diameter dynamic viscosity, mass density, and elasticity of the fluid medium which can be
denoted by the speed of sound in the medium?
2. The pressure difference in a pipe of diameter and length due to viscous flow depends on the
velocity viscosity and density .using Buckingham theorem obtains an expression
3. Explain Buckingham pi theorem with example
4. Briefly explain the types non dimensionless number

UNIT II
1. Derive the pressure drop coefficient for diffuser and effuse and draw the corresponding curve?
2. Explain the operation, merits, demerits and application of hypersonic wind tunnel and also
briefly explain the losses in subsonic wind tunnel.
3. Explain the operation, merits, demerits and application of supersonic and aero acoustic tunnel?
4. Explain the operation, merits, demerits and application of any three special purpose wind
tunnels
5. Briefly explain the special purpose hypersonic wind tunnel

UNIT III
1. Derive the equation for test section speed in low speed wind tunnel and draw the
corresponding curve
2. Explain types of flow angularity measurement.
3. Explain types of turbulence measurement in wind tunnel?
4. Explain the operation Gun tunnel and Shock tunnel
5. With a neat illustration explain the objective of calibration of a wind tunnel. In what way the
calibration procedure for a supersonic tunnel different from that of a subsonic wind tunnel?

UNIT IV
1. How to measure velocity of flow using LDA technique
2. Explain wire type balance with neat sketch and mention the merits and demerits
3. Explain strut type balance with neat sketch and mention the merits and demerits
4. Explain six component balance with neat sketch
5. Mention the features and characteristics of wind tunnel balance
UNIT V
1. Explain the classification of flow visualization techniques
2. Explain the optical flow visualization techniques
3. Explain surface flow visualization technique
4. Explain the data flow visualization techniques

SET of TWO MARK QUESTIONS

TWO MARK QUESTIONS
1. DEFINE MACH NUMBER?
It’s defined as the square root of the ratio of the inertia force of a flowing fluid
to the elastic force.
Also it is defined as the ratio between Velocity of the Body and the Velocity of Sound.

2. DEFINE REYNOLDS NO?

It’s defined as the ratio of an inertia force of the flowing fluid and the viscous force of the fluid

3. DEFINE EULER’S NO?

It’s defined as the square root of the ratio of the inertia force of a flowing fluid to the pressure
force

4. DEFINE WEBER’S NO?

It’s defined as the square root of the ratio of the inertia force of a flowing fluid to surface tension
force

5. DEFINE FROUDE’S NO?

It’s defined as the square root of the ratio of the inertia force of a flowing fluid to the gravity
force

6. DEFINE BUCKINGHAMS Л THEOREM?

If there are n variables in a physical phenomenon and if this variables contain m fundamental
dimension (M, L, T) then the variables are arranged to (n-m) dimensionless terms, each term is
called л-term

7. WHAT IS MEANT BY SIMILARITIES?

Model and prototype have similar properties or model and prototype are similar

8. WRITE DOWN THE TYPES OF SIMILARITIES?

Geometric similarity
Kinematic similarity
Dynamic similarity 

9. WHAT ARE THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF WIND TUNNEL?

Low speed wind tunnel,
High speed wind tunnel,
Special type tunnel.

10. WHAT IS FUNCTION OF EFFUSER?

It converts available pressure energy into kinetic energy and its located upstream of the test
section.

11. WHAT IS FUNCTION OF DIFFUSER?

It converts the kinetic energy to pressure energy and it’s downstream of the test section.

12. WHAT IS BREATHER?

It is attached with an one way valve so that it take the air and by propeller suction, flow is
maintained inside the return type.

13. WHAT ARE THE MERITS AND DEMERITS OF OPEN CIRCUIT?

Construction cost less,
It no surging problem is open to the free atm.

DEMERITS.
Tunnels much noisy,
Make cost environment problem.

14. DEFINE ENERGY RATIO.

It is defined as the ratio between the total kinetic energy of the flow to the energy loss.
ER = 1/K0

15. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF BLOW DOWN TYPE WIND TUNNEL?
This is the simplest among the supersonic tunnel and most economic to build.
Constant blowing press can be maintaining for considerable running by throttle valve.

16. WHAT ARE THE APPLICATION OF VERTICAL WIND TUNNEL?

It is used to study the spinning motion of the aircraft,
Ejection of pilots from seats,
Parachute flying,
Helicopter operation.

17. WHAT ARE THE LOSSES IN SUPERSONIC TUNNEL?

Friction losses,
Expansion losses,
Losses in the contraction cone and test section,
Losses in guide vanes,
Losses in cooling system.

18. WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF FLOW ANGULARITIES?

Sphere type yaw meter,
Claw type yaw meter.

19. WHAT ARE THE TURBULENT MEASUREMENTS?

Turbulence sphere,
Pressure sphere,
Hot wire anemometer.

20. WHAT ARE THE METHODS TO REDUCE TURBULENCE INSIDE W/T.

Using max. no of fan blades,
Using a very long and gradual nacelle,
Anti swirl vanes,
Providing max. Possible distance between propellers and test section.

21. PRINCIPLE OF HOT WIRE ANEMOMETER.

The rate of heat from an electrical heated wire and placed in an airstream is
proportional to the velocity.
22. WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF FLOW ANGULARITIES?
Sphere type yaw meter,
Claw type yaw meter.

23. WHAT ARE THE TURBULENT MEASUREMENTS?

Turbulence sphere,
Pressure sphere,
Hot wire anemometer.

24. WHAT ARE THE METHODS TO REDUCE TURBULENCE INSIDE W/T.

Using max. no of fan blades,
Using a very long and gradual nacelle,
Anti swirl vanes,
Providing max. Possible distance between propellers and test section.

25. DEFINE WIND TUNNEL BALANCE

Wind tunnel balance is a device to measure the actual forces &moments acting on a model
placed in the test section stream

26. WHAT ARE THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF WIND TUNNEL BALANCE?

Wire type balance
Strut type balance
Platform type balance
Yoke type balance
Strain gauge type balance

27. WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY WIRE BALANCE?

In wire type wind tunnel balances only wires are used to support the model. All the load
components are transmitted to the measuring device by these wires.

28. WHAT ARE THE CLASSIFICATIONS OF STRUT TYPE BALANCES?

Yoke type
Platform type
Pyramid type
29. WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF STRAIN GAUGE BALANCE?
Internal balance
Semi internal balance
External balance

30. WHAT IS THE PRINCIPLE OF LIQUID MANOMETER?

The principle is that the pressure is balanced by the weight of a liquid column.

31. WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF BAROMETERS?

Syphon barometer
Fortin barometer
Aneroid barometer

32. GIVE SOME DISADVANTAGES OF DIAL TYPE PRESSURE GAUGE?

They must be calibrated periodically to ensure that they continue to read correctly
The manometers are less expensive when there is a large number of pressures to be read
Like manometers, they cannot be easily read electronically

33. WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF PRESSURE TRANSDUCERS?

They are classified as mechanical, electrical & optical type

34. LIST OUT SOME ADVANTAGES OF PRESSURE TRANSDUCERS?

They provide signal proportional to the applied pressure which can be automatically recorded by
acquisition system
They are relatively low volume devices & consequently respond more rapidly to
pressure changes
They are small enough to be mounted inside wind tunnel models

35. STATE THE PRINCIPLE OF LDA?

The principle is that a moving particle illuminated by a light beam scatters light at a frequency
different from that of the original beam. This difference in frequency is known as Doppler shift
& it’s proportional to the velocity of the particle.
36. WHAT ARE THE SCATTERING SUBSTANCES USED FOR LDA?
Micro polythene spheres
Diluted milk droplets
Diluted smoke particles
Aerosol
Fine alumina powder
37. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF LDA?
It has high frequency response
It has negligible probe interference
It is applicable to the wide range of application
The measurement with LDA is absolute, linear with velocity and require no pre calibration.
38. GIVE SHORT NOTES ON REFERENCE BEAM SYSTEM?
In reference beam system the scattered beam of light is optically mixed with original beam &
the difference is obtained as the Doppler shift in frequency. This technique is known as
heterodyning & it’s the characteristic of a photo multiplier.

39. WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF VORTEX SHEDDING TECHNIQUE?

It is capable of measuring low speeds of air which cannot be measured accurately with a
conventional manometer.
40. DEFINE PATHLINE?
The path of a point or particle convected with the flow is called a path line. If we could
release a tracer particle at any selected point and record its subsequent path, this would be
a path line.

41. DEFINE STREAKLINE?

It is a curve which represents the instantaneous motion of the fluid particle from the
given point.

42. DEFINE STREAMLINE?

A streamline through a point at an instant in time is the line whose tangent is the velocity
at that point and that follows a path through the fluid such that the tangent at every point
is the local instantaneous velocity.

43. DEFINE TIMELINE?

A timeline is generated by simultaneously emitting a short burst of tracers along a line
perpendicular to the local flow. This marks a line of elements that are in a straight line at
the initial time.

44. HOW CAN WE CLASSIFY FLOW VISUALISATION?

The flow visualization can be broadly classified into two, they are
surface flow visualization
flow field visualization

45. WHAT ARE THE KEY ASPECTS OF SURFACE FLOW THAT CAN BE
INVESTIGATED FROM SURFACE FLOW VISUALISATION?
Key aspects of surface flows that may be investigated using visualization techniques
include
Stagnation point location
Separation lines
Location of boundary layer transition
Characteristic unsteadiness
Extent of separation zones
Types of critical points

46. WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS OF TUFTS?

The Tufts must be of light, flexible material that will align itself with the local surface
flow as a result of direct of direct aerodynamic force.

47. WHAT ARE THE MATERIALS USED FOR MAKING TUFTS?

The most commonly used material is light yarn with weights and lengths chosen
according to model size and test speed.

48. WHAT ARE THE MATERIALS USED FOR MAKING MINITUFTS?

The tuft material is monofilament nylon that has been treated with a fluorescent dye.

49. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF USING TUFTS?

Easily producible
Once the tufts are installed the model can be repositioned and indications studied visually &
photographed for as long as desired.

50. WHAT ARE THE METHODS OF OPTICAL FLOW VISUALISATION?

Shadow graph
Schlieren technique
Interferometer

51. WHAT ARE THE APPLICATION OF SMOKE VISUALISATION?

Flow over an aerofoil
Study vortex motion

52. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF OPTICAL TECHNIQUES?

Non intrusive
Avoiding the formation of unwanted shockwaves
Avoid problems associated with the introduction of foreign particles

53. WHAT IS THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE OF THE INTERFEROMETER?

From corpuscular properties of light, we know that when light travels through a gas the velocity
of propagation is affected by the physical properties of the gas.

C=fλ

54. WHAT IS THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE OF SCHLIEREN TECHNIQUE?

The speed of a wave front of light varies inversely with the index of refraction of the medium
through which the light travels.