|
A wind tunnel is really a fairly simple device. Most designs feature each of the five components described below. The overall design creates high-speed, low-turbulence airflow through the test section and allows researchers to measure the resulting forces on the model being tested. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Settling Chamber - The purpose of the settling chamber is to straighten the airflow. Contraction Cone - The contraction cone takes a large volume of low-velocity air and reduces it to a small volume of high-velocity air without creating turbulence. Test Section - The test section is where the test article and sensors are placed. Diffuser - The diffuser slows the speed of airflow in the wind tunnel. Drive Section - The drive section provides the force that causes the air to move through the wind tunnel. Wind tunnels can be open- or closed-loop. The design influences whether or not the air is recirculated in the tunnel. |
