Subsonic Reverse Wind Tunnel

quick overview :

Subsonic Reverse Wind Tunnel

Subsonic Reverse Wind Tunnel generates an airstream (60m/s max.) in a transparent test section (300 x 300 mm). Different accessories (aerofoil section, static tube) can be installed in the test section to test the subsonic aerodynamic laws. This wind tunnel has a reduced volume and is fitted into laboratories and test floors without necessitating installation or civil engineering works.

Teaching objectives

• Measuring the speed of air flow and plotting speed profiles in different sections of the wind tunnel test section.
• Measuring the distribution of pressure on the underside and upper side of an aerofoil section.
• Study of the distribution of pressure around a cylinder.
• Measuring lift, air resistance and lift moment with an aerodynamic balance, 2 or 3 components on different aerofoil sections according to the incidence (complementary equipment).

Technical specifications of Subsonic Reverse Wind Tunnel

A test section comprising two vertical glass surfaces, one of which is entirely hinged to allow access to the interior of the test section. The upper part has a lengthwise slit fitted with joints to allow a probe to be attached. A movement system with one, two or three axes can be inserted on the test section.

• A plenum chamber, area 2.25 m², fitted with a filter bag, a honeycomb and 3 grids of bronze wire gauge.
• A nozzle, assuring an excellent quality of air flow at the entrance to the test section. It has been designed bidimensionally, considering a pressure flow, with correction of the turbulent boundary layer.
• A diffuser downstream of the test section allows an important part of the pressure loss to be recuperated, and allows renewed disturbances in the airstream to be avoided.
• A high performance centrifugal fan is driven by an induction motor. The adjustment of the fan's rotation speed is carried out thanks to a frequency variator.
• Fine dust removing filter bags (Ashrae gravimetric efficiency 97.5%).
• Three grids in bronze wire gauge.
• A honeycomb, thickness 90 mm, 8mm mesh.
• A trolley mounted on rails can accommodate a vertical moving unit for sensors.
• The wind tunnel is completely made from painted sheet metal.
• Aerodynamic test section: 300 x 300 x 1500mm (area, length).
• Variable speed between 3 and 60m/s.
• Variation of total pressure: below ±0.50%, hence speed below ±0.25%.
• Turbulence intensity on the U component: 0.15%.
• Fan contraction ratio: 25.
• Contraction ratio: 25.
• Turbulence rates:<0.5% to 40m/s.
• Motor power: 12kW at 2000Vm.

Equipment package

• Standard equipment.
• Complementary optional equipment .
• Constant temperature system with associated equipment
• Aerodynamic balance 2 components and 3 components.
• Pitot tube.
• Multi-tube manometers.
• Flow visualisation system.

Dimensions and weight

• 8300 x 1950 x 2250 mm and 450 kg (approx.).

Essential requirements

• Electricity supply: three-phase 380/440 V, 50Hz (other voltages on request).