AeroRocket Subsonic Wind Tunnel Course

How to Use the AeroRocket Subsonic Wind Tunnel ($50.00)
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HTV-3X in the AeroRocket wind tunnel at 15 degrees AOA
 

WindTunnelCourse illustrates step-by-step how to compute aerodynamic coefficients like CD, CL, L/D, XCP, Cn, Ca, Cm, Cna and CMa from voltages generated by the Force Measurement System's DRAG and LIFT load cells. Also, detailed mechanical drawings, wind tunnel test procedures and description of various wind tunnel components not previously described by the WindTunnelPlans.pdf file is provided. In addition, a QuickTime video describing the AeroRocket subsonic wind tunnel in more detail is provided as part of the package. The following provides a very brief description of what is included in the WindTunnelCourse.zip download.
 

I. CourseContents.rtf (2.55KB), 1 page
 

II. WindTunnelCourse.pdf (2.0MB), 24 pages
1. Wind Tunnel Description

2. Drag and Lift Measurement

3. Center of Pressure (XCP) Measurement
a. Mechanical design of the Force Measurement System
b. Procedure for measuring center of pressure location
c. Description of the AeroRocket Minimum Friction Caliper for measuring center of pressure location

4. Force Measurement System
a. Sample methods to compute lift and drag coefficients

5. Wind Tunnel Calibration
a. Using a circular plate to determine wind tunnel accuracy

6. Mounting Wind Tunnel Models on Stings

7. General Procedure for Measuring Drag and Lift

8. Discussion of Laminar Flow

9. Pitot Tube and Velocity Measurement

10. Wind Tunnel Experiments
a. Drag Measurements
b. Flow Visualization
c. Lift Slope Coefficient Measurements

11. Appendix of Information
a. Force Measurement System Free Body Diagram

b. CP Location Low Friction Caliper construction details
c. Force Measurement System Free Body Analysis Used to Determine Drag (CD) and Lift (CL) Coefficients
d. X-30 NASP AeroRocket Wind Tunnel Test Results. Includes CD, CL, L/D, XCP, Cn, Ca, Cm, Cna, CMa
e. Smoke Visualization Wind Tunnel Testing. Complete description and dimensions of the system
f. Testing the HTV-3X in the AeroRocket wind tunnel
g. Testing Models Using a Rear-Mounted Sting

III. WindTunnelPlans.pdf, (552KB), 19 pages Latest version of the AeroRocket wind tunnel plans
 

IV. AeroTunnelMovie.mov, (1.6MB) QuickTime video (2 minutes) describing the AeroRocket wind tunnel
a. Requires QuickTime from Apple Computer and works on PC and Mac computers.

V. WindTunnelCost.pdf (100KB), 1 page. Complete Wind Tunnel Component sources and cost list.
 

PLEASE NOTE: Be aware one particular online source for an educational do-it-yourself wind tunnel mislead their viewers by providing an unrealistically low cost estimate for construction. For example, this one particular online source for a wind tunnel design states a fabrication cost of only $250 to $300. The wind tunnel they describe will actually cost between $2,000 to $3,000 to build not including labor. However, the design presented is underpowered and improperly instrumented for its size producing a test section velocity too low for meaningful drag (CD) and lift (CL) measurement. For reference, the wind tunnel described here is powered by a 1/3 HP two speed motor with a flow rate (Q) of 3,180 cubic feet per minute (CFM). Any fan unit having a flow rate less than 3,180 CFM should be unacceptable if meaningful results are required for scientific and educational use.