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.

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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).

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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 high-
quality 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.

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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