A validated design methodology for a closed-loop subsonic wind tunnel

A systematic investigation into the design and simulation of flow parameters in a closed-loop wind tunnel was carried out using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The analytical model for estimating pressure losses were directed as input boundary conditions. Full-scale model of the entire wind tunn...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of wind engineering and industrial aerodynamics 2014-02, Vol.125, p.180-194
Main Authors: Calautit, John Kaiser, Chaudhry, Hassam Nasarullah, Hughes, Ben Richard, Sim, Lik Fang
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
CFD
Computational fluid dynamics
Computer simulation
Design engineering
Estimating
Flow uniformity
Mathematical models
Subsonic wind tunnel design
Subsonic wind tunnels
Turbulence intensity
Upstream
Validation
Wind tunnel testing
Wind tunnels
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Summary:A systematic investigation into the design and simulation of flow parameters in a closed-loop wind tunnel was carried out using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The analytical model for estimating pressure losses were directed as input boundary conditions. Full-scale model of the entire wind tunnel was considered instead of the conventional approach, in which only test section flow is simulated. This allowed for optimisation of flow quality not only in the test section but also the flow in the entire circuit. Analysis of the guide vane configurations showed that test section flow quality was more affected by flow conditions in upstream than downstream sections. Hence, special attention must be given while designing the vanes at upstream turns particularly corners in line with the test section. Validation of the test section with block model showed that CFD was able to replicate wind tunnel measurements of velocity, turbulence intensity and pressure coefficient with error below 10%. •Adding guide vanes at upstream and downstream corners improved uniformity by 65%.•Velocity variation was reduced following the addition of diffuser splitting plates.•Flow quality was affected more by flow condition in upstream than downstream side.•CFD was able to replicate the wind tunnel measurements with error below 10%.•Standard k-epsilon model predicted test section flow speed with error below 3%.
ISSN:0167-6105
1872-8197
DOI:10.1016/j.jweia.2013.12.010