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Testing Environment:
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Tests by Model Type:
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Tests by Data Type:
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General Testing Information
The Wind Tunnel conducts a wide variety of
tests for many different model and data types. Tests can
generally be classified according to the type of data
collected, including:
Force and moment data is the most
common form of data collected. Force and moment data refers
to the three forces (lift, drag, and side force) and three
moments (roll, pitch, and yaw moment) that the wind applies
to the test subject. Force and Moment data is usually
measured by the external balance or by an internal balance.
Pressure data is another data type that can
be collected. The means of collecting pressure data, as well
as the data collected, varies widely from test to test. A
seven-hole probe or a wake rake can be used to determine the
wake characteristics of a test subject. Pitot probes are
used to measure velocity gradients and to calculate drag
through integration. Pressure ports can be used on a test
subject to determine the forces on specific parts of a model
or how forces are distributed across a model. Also, a boundary
layer mouse can be employed to determine the boundary layer
characteristics over a surface.
Another type of information collected is
dynamic data. Dynamic data generally involves the recording
the dynamic response of a test subject to an applied
aerodynamic load. Usually no numerical data is recorded
while dynamic data is being collected.
Endurance testing is also an option.
Endurance testing involves exposing a test subject to an
applied aerodynamic load over a period of time and recording
the effects of this load upon the test subject.
Many times a test can involve the collection
of several of these data types at different times during the
test depending upon the needs of the customer. Listed below
are many examples of tests that have been conducted at the
wind tunnel grouped first by model type and then according
to the data type collected.
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2-D Wing/Airfoil Tests
Test of two-dimensional wing section using
single strut mount.
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Aircraft Tests
Aircraft mounted using two struts.
Missile mounted using one
strut.
Aircraft model mounted to HARS.
Aircraft model mounted using two struts with
flow visualization.
Helicopter mounted using two struts.
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Bicycle Tests
Click here for more
information on Bicycle Testing
Bicycle test using two strut mount and flow
visualization.
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Ground Vehicle Tests
Motorcycle test using two strut mount.
Test of a racing cart.
Truck model using two strut mount.
Test of race car rear
wing.
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Offshore Structure Tests
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information on Offshore Structure Testing
Oil rig mounted on fast turntable in
offset position with boundary layer fence.
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Power Plant Tests
Test of rotor using the motor generator set
to power the rotor.
Test of propeller using the
motor generator set.
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Structural Tests
Test of Space Shuttle launch pad using single
strut mount.
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Force and Moment Data
Force and moment data refers to the three
forces (lift, drag, and side force) and three moments (roll,
pitch, and yaw moment) that the wind applies to the test
subject. Force and Moment data is usually measured by the
external balance or by an internal balance. Force and
moment data is the most commonly collected data type at the
Wind Tunnel.
Aircraft on three-strut mount testing for force and moment
data.
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Pressure Data
The means of collecting pressure data, as
well as the data collected, varies widely from test to test.
A seven-hole probe or a wake rake can be used to determine
the wake characteristics of a test subject. Pitot probes are
used to measure velocity gradients and to calculate drag
through integration. Pressure ports can be used on a test
subject to determine the forces on specific parts of a model
or how forces are distributed across a model. Also, a
boundary layer mouse can be employed to determine the
boundary layer characteristics over a surface.
A seven-hole probe is one instrument used to collect
pressure data.
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Dynamic Data
Dynamic data generally involves the recording
the dynamic response of a test subject to an applied
aerodynamic load. Usually no numerical data is recorded
while dynamic data is being collected. Examples of
dynamic data tests include an aircraft drop test, parachute
tests, parawing tests, and aircraft tether tests, all
illustrated below.
X-38 mounted to Wind Tunnel roof for drop
test.
Test of Shuttle brake chute.
Test of parawing.
Test of missile attached to a tether.
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Endurance Data
Endurance testing involves exposing a test
subject to an applied aerodynamic load over a period of time
and recording the effects of this load upon the test
subject. Outdoor structures and trees are commonly
tested for endurance data.
Endurance test of aluminum siding.
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