Item Description

A wind tunnel is a duct through which air is either blown or pulled out to simulate air flow over objects. The model of the object to be tested, called the prototype, is placed in the test section of the wind tunnel and the pressures, forces and moments experienced by the model at various wind speeds and in different orientation with reference to the wind are measured using special transducers. The results of wind tunnel measurements can be utilized to generate the design data for the prototype. Wind tunnels are useful research and educational tools for students to study problems related to several areas including fluid mechanics and aerodynamics. Subsonic wind tunnels are employed for teaching and research in aeronautical, mechanical, automobile, civil, architectural, environmental and marine engineering departments of educational institutions.

The Sci-tech Open Wind Tunnel – Subsonic for Research, Model AT 004is a suction type open circuit wind tunnel designed to conduct teaching and basic research experiments related to fluid mechanics and aerodynamics. All tunnel components are supported on metal frames and include lockable castors for mobility. The wind tunnel components are of metal construction suitably surface treated or painted to avoid corrosion. The combination of bell mouth entry, settling chamber with honey comb and three screens and large nozzle contraction ratio provide tunnel mean flow uniformity and turbulence values required for any basic and applied aerodynamic research. Air filter is provided to ensure dust free air for the use of hot wire anemometry for flow fluctuation measurements. The square test section is designed for easy installation and changing of models, accessories and instrumentation. Transparent glass windows are provided to facilitate optical measurement techniques such as LDV and flow visualization. Diffuser transition is designed to decelerate the flow without flow separation from the walls. The drive system consists of a six-bladed fan and a variable speed motor and controller. Wind tunnel test speeds up to about 60m/s can be obtained. Vibration during tunnel operation is minimized by suitable mounting of the fan drive system. The floor mounted model support system is provided to position models in the test section and conduct tests at various angles of incidence. Model having standard geometrical details such as NACA 0012 symmetric aerofoil sections with surface pressure tapings is provided for comparison with available data in the literature and ensure proper calibration of testing procedure. Tunnel operation, control, ‘Sci-Cal’ data acquisition and processing of data are through an integrated computer based system.