Open Circuit Wind Tunnels
Open circuit wind tunnels do not directly re-circulate air. Rather, air is drawn in from the laboratory environment, passes through the test section and is returned back to the lab through the tunnel exhaust. Because each AEROLAB open circuit wind tunnel is individually designed, one can be made to meet your exact requirements. Many past customers had special needs such as low ceilings, limited access (small doorways) and obstacles such as building columns and overhead ducting. Although custom design is AEROLAB’s specialty, many popular sizes from 6-inch x 6-inch (15cm x 15cm) to 33.6-inch x 48-inch (85cm x 122cm) are offered. Contact AEROLAB with your requirements (size, speed, shape) to request a quotation.
custom 12-inch x 12-inch open circuit tunnel
Common Applications:Research, education and demonstations. Open circuit wind tunnels are a perfect choice when laboratory space and/or funding is limited. Performance Specifications:
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6-inch x 6-inch subsonic wind tunnel configured for desktop use
6" x 6" Technical Specs:
8" x 8" Technical Specs: |
8-inch x 8-inch subsonic wind tunnel |
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8-inch x 8-inch windtunnel manometer, test section, & motor controller |
8-inch x 8-inch subsonic wind tunnel power section |
Detailed Description:
- Contraction – The contraction is the bell-shaped inlet. Aerodynamicist use the term "contraction ratio" to refer to the inlet-to-outlet area ratio. Although any contraction ratio is possible, 9:1 is a good compromise between physical size and test section turbulence levels. AEROLAB uses either a fifth, or, ninth-order polynomial to define a smooth transition between the tunnel inlet and the test section entrance.
- Honeycomb Flow Straightener – To straighten incoming airflow, a "honeycomb" of long narrow tubes is employed. Every AEROLAB wind tunnel is supplied with a high quality, aluminum, high-aspect-ratio honeycomb flow straightener.
- Turbulence-reducing Screens – All AEROLAB tunnels are supplied with two stainless steel turbulence-reducing screens. Also, sufficient space is provided within the wind tunnel framework to fit an additional two screens at a later date should the customer need extremely smooth flow for sensitive experiments.
- Static Pressure Ring(s) – All tunnels are fitted with a static pressure “ring” at the entrance of the test section. This ring consists of four pressure taps (one centered on each wall) sharing a common manifold. The pressure measured within the ring is used to calculate airspeed without the need of an invasive probe or sensor. In most cases, an additional ring is installed immediately downstream of the turbulence-reducing screens. This extra "ring" assures accurate airspeed calculations even when the turbulence-reducing screens begin to accumulate laboratory dust.
- Test Section – Anodized 6061 aluminum is used to construct the load-bearing frame and flanges of AEROLAB test sections. The three standard windows – top and two hinged sides – are made of Plexiglas ®. To compensate for boundary layer growth within the test section, the side walls diverge slightly. However, if parallel test section walls are desired (for photographic or laser work), fillets can be added to the contraction, test section, and diffuser, instead.
- Diffuser – In order to ensure smooth airflow within the test section and to make the wind tunnel as efficient as possible, a diffuser duct is employed. The diffuser gently slows the exiting airflow and reduces the fan/motor power requirement. To prevent airflow from "separating" within the diffuser, and hence diffuser effects in the test section, AEROLAB restricts included diffuser divergence angle to 6º.
- Fan / Blower – Depending upon the wind tunnel type and application, either an axial fan or a centrifugal blower will provide
necessary power. AEROLAB uses efficient, high-quality, low-maintenance electric motors and state-of-the-art solid-state Variable Frequency Drives
(VFD) to consistently and accurately set wind tunnel speed.
Exit Cone / Motor Nacelle / Noise Attenuator – This is an option for most AEROLAB Open Circuit Wind Tunnels. Exhaust ducting serves two purposes: to improve efficiency and performance and to help reduce noise. AEROLAB noise-attenuating exit cones employ double-walled construction, perforated steel and sound-absorbing fiberglass insulation. 
Optional noise attenuating exit cone with motor nacelle
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20-inch x 28-inch subsonic wind tunnel
Optional Features:
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