Optimization of Flow Quality In the Test Section of The 30-Inch x 40- Inch Subsonic Tunnel

<p>The purpose of this study is to optimize the flow quality inside the 30-inch x 40-inch subsonic wind tunnel. The tunnel is an open circuit with its inlet positioned adjacent to the side door of the lab; forcing the air to make a ninety degrees turn entering the tunnel. The flow suffered from two main deficiencies, high level of turbulence and slightly unsteady flow with a non-uniform velocity distribution across the test section. By utilizing a hot-film anemometer system and a total pressure rake, turbulence and velocity distribution data were obtained. Rounded corners and a turning vane were installed in front of the inlet to minimize boundary layer separation. Furthermore, a screen was attached to the inlet to help reduce the turbulence level. By combining all the configurations the flow reached a uniform distribution for more than ninety percent of the cross sectional area, with a maximum deviation of one percent from the mean center velocity. Turbulence was reduced from one percent to a half percent. This research could be followed by a more comprehensive effort to further improve the flow quality inside the test section, though it does not seem warranted at this time.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - Open Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Aerospace Engineering

Year

2001

Author dc:creator

• Elnenaey, Ahmed F.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Charles N. Eastlake
• L.L. Narayanaswami
• Tej R. Gupta

• optimization
• flow quality
• wind tunnel
• subsonic
• Aerospace Engineering

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.erau.edu/db-theses/55

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.erau.edu:db-theses-1072