Low-speed wind tunnel flow quality determination

Abstract

lected points. Incorporated instrumentation includes pressure transducers attached to a pitot-static tube, wall static pressure taps, and a pressure rake; a hotwire anemometry system, and a linear traverse system. These were integrated with a data acquisition (DAQ) processor with analog to digital conversion and digital I/O boards, and controlled using in-house developed LabVIEW software. Testing showed a maximum axial velocity of 38 m/s, which is 84% of the tunnel?s rated speed. The 2-D flow uniformity was within ±7% by pressure rake, and ±3% with a turbulence intensity ?0.11% at full speed using a CTA, affirming the tunnel?s viability as a demonstration platform. Spectral density plots in the boundary layer exhibit typical behavior of fully developed equilibrium turbulent flow with an intertial sub-range present. Future testing of a flat-plate wake for drag modification is planned.