Aerodynamics
Everything that moves through the air is affected by aerodynamics.
Wind Tunnel gives the ability to generate controlled flow conditions in order to study the aerodynamic performance of an object in a variety of flow conditions, e.g. a range of flow velocities and directions, different wind shear slopes etc. The acting forces on the object and the flow field around it can be recorded using the suitable equipment.
For example, in the case of an aircraft design, the lift force that allows to overcome gravity is measured in order to verify its wing geometry efficiency. Also drag force which is the resistance an aircraft “feels” as it moves through the air is measured in order to estimate the requirements of the thrust propulsion system. In addition, we can measure the moments acting on the aircraft, affecting it's stability control systems. Flow field phenomena can be revealed by recoding the local pressures on the airplane surface.
Modifications on the object's shape affect directly it's aerodynamic performance and can be studied as well in order to optimize it's performance.
The measured information can be used to build an "experimental database" which can be used also for evaluating the validity of various CFD tools.
Measurement of the velocity field around a wing using a 2D-PIV technique.
