Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
AERONAUTICAL LABORATORY
Technical Guide
for the
Kirsten Wind Tunnel
February 2001
Box 352400
http://www.uwal.org
Seattle WA 98195-2400
Facsimile (206) 616-2150
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................1
2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION.............................................................................................................1
3. TYPES OF WIND TUNNEL TESTS...............................................................................................3
3.1 SIX COMPONENT FORCE TESTS........................................................................................................................... 3
3.2 PRESSURE TESTS................................................................................................................................................ 3
3.3 FLOW VISUALIZATION TESTS ............................................................................................................................. 3
6. INSTRUMENTATION...................................................................................................................10
6.1 DYNAMIC PRESSURE TRANSDUCER ................................................................................................................... 10
6.2 EXTERNAL BALANCE ....................................................................................................................................... 10
7. PROBES..........................................................................................................................................11
7.1 FIVE-HOLE PROBE ........................................................................................................................................... 11
7.2 TOTAL & STATIC PROBES ................................................................................................................................ 11
7.3 20 WAKE RAKE PROBE................................................................................................................................... 12
7.4 BOUNDARY LAYER PROBES .............................................................................................................................. 12
7.5 OTHER PROBES................................................................................................................................................ 12
11. PHOTOGRAPHY.........................................................................................................................17
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FIGURE INDEX
FIGURE 1: 3-VIEW OF KIRSTEN WIND TUNNEL BUILDING ........................................................................2
FIGURE 2: CUTAWAY VIEW OF KIRSTEN WIND TUNNEL ..........................................................................4
FIGURE 3: AA DEPARTMENT MACHINE SHOP ..........................................................................................5
FIGURE 4: DAILY INSPECTION OF ONE OF THE FANS ................................................................................6
FIGURE 5: VIEW FROM DIFFUSER LOOKING INTO A CLEAN TEST SECTION ...............................................7
FIGURE 6: TEST SECTION FLOOR .............................................................................................................8
FIGURE 7: CUTAWAY VIEW OF THE TEST SECTION...................................................................................9
FIGURE 8: 6-COMPONENT EXTERNAL BALANCE ....................................................................................11
FIGURE 9: RAKE PROBE SPACING ..........................................................................................................12
FIGURE 10: CHINA CLAY ON A WING ....................................................................................................15
FIGURE 11: SMOKE FLOW VISUALIZATION WITH A WING......................................................................16
FIGURE 12: UV OIL ON WING SHOWING TRANSITION POINT .................................................................16
FIGURE 13: SUBLIMATING CHEMICALS SHOWING TRANSITION POINT ON A WING ..................................17
FIGURE 14: TOP AND SIDE VIEWS OF 2D INSERTS.................................................................................19
FIGURE 15: 2D TEST SECTION (TOP VIEW) ...........................................................................................20
FIGURE 16: FAIRING FOR MODEL SUPPORT STRUT .................................................................................22
FIGURE 17: FORK WITH PITCH ARM ......................................................................................................23
FIGURE 18: MODEL MOUNTING FORKS ..................................................................................................24
FIGURE 19: MODEL MOUNT FORK ATTACHMENTS .................................................................................25
FIGURE 20: SINGLE STRUT WITH PITCH ARM INSTALLED (2-POINT MOUNT) ...........................................27
FIGURE 21: SMALL TRUNNION BLOCK FOR SINGLE STRUT .....................................................................28
FIGURE 22: LARGE TRUNNION BLOCK FOR SINGLE STRUT .....................................................................29
FIGURE 23: OFFSET TRUNNION BLOCK FOR SINGLE STRUT ....................................................................30
FIGURE 24: SINGLE STRUT ....................................................................................................................31
FIGURE 25: ROUND STRUT NO. 1 ..........................................................................................................32
FIGURE 26: ROUND STRUT NO. 2 ..........................................................................................................33
FIGURE 27: BOEING 747-400 MODEL WITH STANDARD GROUND PLANE ...............................................35
FIGURE 28: CARGO CRANE WITH 8X 8GROUND PLANE .....................................................................35
FIGURE 29: IMAGE OF SINGLE STRUT & FAIRING WITH BOEING 757 MODEL ..........................................36
FIGURE 30: POWERED MODEL MOUNTED ON 14-H FORK, HOSE STRUT, AND PITCH ARM. .....................37
FIGURE 31: 52 HP TASK MOTOR DRAWING ...........................................................................................38
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Table Index
TABLE 1:
TABLE 2:
TABLE 3:
TABLE 4:
TABLE 5:
TABLE 6:
TABLE 7:
TABLE 8:
Photograph Credits
Special thanks to The Boeing Company, Raytheon Aircraft Company, and Sino Swearingen Aircraft
Company for use of their photographs in this document.
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1. Introduction
The University of Washington Aeronautical Laboratory (UWAL) is an aerodynamic testing organization
under the Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics. UWAL uses the facilities of the Department of
Aeronautics & Astronautics for aeronautical testing for companies, individuals, and governments.
Revenue generated by commercial testing helps fund undergraduate use of the facilities and research.
This document describes the technical aspects and capabilities of the primary facility, the Kirsten Wind
Tunnel.
Any further questions or requests for more information will be gladly handled by UWAL personnel.
UWAL is dedicated to meeting the customer's needs with professional service and quality data.
2. General Description
The primary aerodynamic testing facility is the F. K. Kirsten Wind Tunnel. Opened for testing in 1939,
the Kirsten Wind Tunnel is of concrete and brick construction. It is a double-return, closed circuit wind
tunnel. The test section has a rectangular cross-section eight feet high, twelve feet wide and ten feet
long, with fillets in the corners. The test section is vented to the atmosphere and can be viewed from all
sides. Two 500 hp dc motors drive two 14 feet 9 inches diameter, seven-blade fans to provide the test
section with airspeeds of 200 MPH for a typical-sized wind tunnel model. The tunnel is capable of
airspeeds of 250 MPH with a clean test section. See Figure 1.
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3.2
Pressure Tests
This test involves mounting a model that has pressure ports which are read by the UWAL data
system. The resulting data provides a detailed pressure distribution over the model surface.
These tests can use UWAL-provided electronic pressure scanning (EPS) modules or
individual pressure transducers. More details concerning pressure measurements are in
Section 8.
3.3
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4. The Facility
4.1
Location
The Kirsten Wind Tunnel building is located on the U.W. campus, which is in the northern
part of the city of Seattle, along the west shore of Lake Washington. The campus is
approximately twenty miles from Seattle-Tacoma (Sea-Tac) International Airport. The cool
climate of Washington provides for comfortable testing year-round (summer temperatures
rarely exceed 85 F, winter temperatures normally in the 40s to 50s F).
4.2
Overview
The Kirsten Wind Tunnel building houses the Kirsten Wind Tunnel and is constructed of brick
and concrete. The building has three main levels. Doors can be secured to restrict access to
the test section, model preparation area, balance deck, and all of the second and third levels, if
necessary.
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4.3
Control Room
Located on the third floor of the building, the control room is where the tunnel is operated,
data is acquired then reduced, and the test is monitored. The tunnel operator's console has
controls for operating the tunnel, changing speed, changing model attitude, and acquiring
data.
4.4
Company Room
A company room is located adjacent to the control room to provide a convenient office for
the customer while testing. The company room has five desks and can be closed for privacy.
The company room has an exclusive telephone line for customer use, 206-616-5981, and a PC
that is networked to the data system for either online plotting or post-processing.
4.5
Model Shop
Located on the first floor is a model shop with 470 square feet of floor space for model
preparation and alterations. The model shop is furnished with the standard hand tools,
machine tools, and a precision surface plate of 151 x 51.5 inches. In addition, two fully
equipped shops within the Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics can be called upon to
fill the needs of our customers.
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4.6
Fans
The wind is generated by two variable speed, seven-blade fans. Each fan is powered by a 500
hp dc electric motor. The fans are synchronized by a connecting axle to ensure the same fan
RPM for each tunnel circuit. Each blade is made of Honduras mahogany. Each fan has a
diameter of 14 feet 9 inches with approximately a -inch clearance between the blade tip and
tunnel wall.
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4.7
Observation Deck
An observation area is adjacent to the test section and provides an unobstructed view of the
model through a 44 x 87 window. The observation deck has 108 square feet of usable
floor space. The floor of the observation deck consists of three sections that can be raised to
provide an unobstructed path for hoisting the model from the ground floor into the test
section.
4.8
Model Deck
The model deck is adjacent to the test section and located opposite of the observation deck.
The test section is entered by opening two, 48 x 60 doors. The model deck is designed for
minor model work and assembly. It contains commonly used supplies (model fillers, various
tapes, screws, trip grit, etc.), hand tools, a drill press, a grinder, and 53 square feet of counter
space to accommodate model changes.
5. Test Section
5.1
Dimensions
The test section has a rectangular cross-section 8 feet high, 12 feet wide, and is 10 feet long with
1.5 feet high (45) fillets in all four corners. The actual cross-sectional area is 91.5 square feet
due to the fillets. See Figure 7 for a cutaway view.
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5.2
Construction
The test section is on the second floor of the building, level with both the observation deck
and the model deck.
Models are installed by opening the test section ceiling. An overhead 1-ton hoist allows the
models to be lifted from the ground floor and lowered into the test section through the test
section ceiling. The motorized ceiling moves on tracks to create a 108 x 117 entrance to
the test section. The test section can be viewed from the top through a 28 x 40 window.
Additional ceiling windows are available to view more of the model.
The test section floor is fabricated of removable 7/16 thick aluminum plates. The fore and
aft center plates can be interchanged with viewing windows to allow for observing the
underside of the model.
CL
SYMMETRY
21.0 in.
45 FILLET
CL
27.0 in.
45 FILLET
120.0 in.
27.0 in.
18.0 in.
144.0 in.
The left side of the test section is the observation deck. It provides a view of the model
through a 44 x 87 window. The model deck also provides a view of the test section
through two 28 x 45 windows located in the two access doors. Opening both doors
provides a 95 x 60 entrance to the test section.
The test section is vented to the atmosphere by two vents (5 feet long, 2 inches wide) located
on the walls at the trailing edge of the test section. The vents keep the test section static
pressure equal to approximately atmospheric pressure.
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The upper-corner fillets have four 100-watt halogen lights on each side of the test section that
can be turned on/off in sets of two for obtaining the proper lighting conditions.
5.3
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6. Instrumentation
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
External Balance
The main balance is a six-component (three forces, three moments) external balance located
beneath the test section floor. The balance simultaneously measures all forces and moments
with respect to the wind axes at the virtual balance moment center located at the center of the
test section. These forces and moments are converted to voltages by electromagnetic
potentiometers. The output voltages are amplified and converted to digital numbers in
engineering units. The balance limits are:
Table 1: Balance Resolution and Limits
Balance Component
Lift
Drag
Side Force
Pitching Moment
Yawing Moment
Rolling Moment
Resolution
0.090 lbs
0.013 lbs
0.010 lbs
0.232 in.-lbs
0.205 in-lbs
0.169 in.-lbs
The external balance has passive damping for reducing vibrations induced by the model. All
signals from the external balance are sent through a 1 Hz low-pass filter before being sent to
the data acquisition computer.
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7. Probes
7.1
Five-Hole Probe
A five-hole probe can be used with the traverse rig to make flow velocity and angularity
measurements around a model or elsewhere in the test section. The probe pressures can be
reduced to give local velocity, cross-flow, and up-flow angles. The 7/8 probe is calibrated
and contains a static ring. Available probes include:
Table 2: Dimensions of Available Five-Hole Probes
Diameter (in.):
Length (in.):
7.2
7/8
10
3/8
4.75
1/4
3.75
0.19
4
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Type:
Diameter (in.):
Length (in.):
7.3
Total
3/16
4.5
Precision Static
3/8
10
Pitot-Static
3/8
7/8
4 1/8
8.25, 9, 16.25,
22.5, 25.25
7.4
7.5
Other Probes
Shielded total head tubes and a long static tube are also available for pressure measurements.
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8. Pressure Measurements
An electronic pressure scanning system (EPS) is the primary means for acquiring pressure data. It can
support customer-supplied EPS modules from Scanivalve or Pressure Systems Inc. UWAL has two
Scanivalve EPS modules: 1) 128-port, 5-psi range module using 64 transducers; 2) 32-port, 0.72-psi
range module. Both modules have an accuracy of 0.05% of the full scale range. The system can be
automatically calibrated in a matter of minutes. This system allows simultaneous recording of up to eight
modules. Quick disconnects can be sent to the customer for plumbing of model pressures prior to model
delivery.
UWAL also has an assortment of 1, 2.5, and 5 psi differential pressure transducers available for use. Each
transducer is calibrated on-site with a secondary pressure standard traceable to a primary standard.
In order to use the EPS modules, the model must use pressure tubing that has an outside diameter of
approximately 0.040 to 0.042-inches. Stainless steel tubing is normally used to make the pressure ports
in the model, then urethane tubing connects the pressure port tubing to the EPS module. Urethane and
bulged stainless steel tubing are available from the Scanivalve Corporation (800-935-5151). Urethane
tubing is stronger, more resilient to bending, and fits better that other types of flexible tubing.
9. Traverse Rig
The test section ceiling is on tracks and can be moved by an electric drive sideways across the tunnel. On
the ceiling is a carriage, likewise on tracks and motor driven, which may be moved fore and aft. The
carriage supports two struts which can be driven on vertical tracks. Probes can be mounted to the end of
the struts allowing accurate three-axes positioning anywhere in the test section within the physical limit
while the tunnel is operating. Traverse speed is two inches per second.
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Flow Vis.
Flow Vis.
Photos w/
Photos w/
Method
On Model Off Model Wind-On
Wind-Off
Smoke
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Oil*
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
China Clay
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Sublimation
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Minitufts*
Yes
No
Yes
No
Sewing thread*
Yes
No
Yes
No
Tuft Probe
No
Yes
Yes
No
* Ultraviolet light photography available for enhanced visibility.
10.1
Effect on
Data
Small
Small
Small
Small
Very Small
Small
Variable
Tufts
There are three types of tuft flow visualization techniques readily available at UWAL.
Fluorescent Minitufts: Small filaments of polyester monofilament thread soaked in a UV dye
are glued to the model surface. When the wind is turned on, the minitufts move in the
direction of the flow. A UV flash is used to cause the minitufts to fluoresce, making them
appear larger for better visibility. Still-photos are the only means for capturing the
minituft orientation.
Thread Tufts: Pieces of number 60 sewing thread are taped or glued to the model surface.
When the wind is turned on the tufts move in the direction of the flow. The sewing thread
can be further enhanced with UV lighting.
Tuft Probe: A probe with a single yarn tuft can be positioned anywhere in the test section
with the use of the traverse rig.
Advantages: Allows flow visualization at any model position. Yarn tufts are easy to install.
A tuft grid provides a view of the flow pattern over a large area. Minitufts have a
negligible effect on force data. Sewing thread makes a good tuft due to its clear visibility
in UV or normal light, it has smaller flow effects compared with yarn, and its ease of
application compared to minitufts.
Disadvantages: Does not provide a detailed flow pattern since they are constantly moving
with the air flow. Minitufts require a more time to install but can be left on the model.
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10.2
China Clay
A mixture of kerosene, kaolin powder, and DayGlo pigment is applied to the model surface
with the wind off. When the wind is turned on it causes the kerosene to evaporate, leaving
streaks of clay powder in the form of the flow pattern.
Advantages: Easiest method to setup and apply. Provides lasting flow pattern on the model
for photos when the wind is off. Clearly shows flow pattern; shows flow separations well.
Disadvantages: Cannot vary model position during flow visualization. Model must be a dark
color, preferably flat black, for contrasting the powder against the model surface.
Pressure taps must be protected to prevent clogging.
10.3
Smoke
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Using a custom-made smoke generator and probe, a stream of white smoke can be inserted
anywhere in the test section by positioning the probe using the traverse rig or by hand.
Advantages: Easy setup and quick repositioning of the probe allows for viewing flow patterns
around any portion of the model.
Disadvantages: Extended use fills the tunnel with smoke. The tunnel must be vented to
remove the smoke before further flow visualization can be used. An oily residue is left on
whatever the smoke touches. Furthermore, pressure taps must be protected to prevent
clogging.
10.4
Oil
A mixture of oil or oil substitute and dye can be applied to the model surface. When the wind
is turned on, the oil and dye particles slowly move in the direction of the local flow. For
improved visibility of the oil flow, an ultraviolet dye can be used such that when illuminated
with an ultraviolet light the dye fluoresces to clearly show the flow pattern.
Advantages: Provides somewhat lasting air flow pattern on the model for photos when the
wind is off. Gravity will slowly change the oil pattern. Clearly shows flow pattern,
especially the transition between turbulent and laminar flow as well as separation. UV oil
is the most photogenic of the flow visualization methods.
Disadvantages: After time, all of the oil will run off the model. Model must be a dark color,
preferably flat black, for contrasting the oil mixture against the model surface. Pressure
taps must be protected to prevent clogging.
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10.5
Sublimation
A mixture of naphthalene and trichloroethane is applied to the model surface with the wind
off. When the wind is turned on, it causes the chemicals to sublimate. Turbulent areas cause
the chemicals to sublimate faster than laminar areas.
Advantages: Shows areas of turbulent and laminar flow.
Disadvantages: Cannot vary model position during flow visualization. Model must be a dark
color (preferably flat black) for contrasting the white chemicals against the model surface.
Pressure taps must be protected to prevent clogging. Flow pattern disappears with time.
Chemicals must be chosen properly for the tunnel speed and temperature to obtain a good
sublimation rate.
11. Photography
To assist the customer in matching photographs/images with test conditions, a detailed photo log is
created and updated by UWAL personnel throughout the test. Photographs and images taken by UWAL
are kept on file for future referral.
11.1
35mm Camera
A 35mm SLR camera with a zoom lens is available to provide the customer with photodocumentation of the test.
11.2
Digital Camera
A digital camera is used as the standard for all photo-documentation of tests. Digital images
are typically saved in JPEG format and provided to the customer on CD-ROM at the end of
the test. Typical image resolution is 2048x1536 pixels. Other digital formats can be
supported if necessary.
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11.3
11.4
11.5
Normal Lighting
Four 500-watt halogen lamps and three studio-quality, 600-watt quartz lamps are available to
provide the optimal illumination for photography. The normal test section lights can easily be
replaced with photo-flood lights for better illumination. These four lamps combined with the
test section lights provide the customer with a versatile lighting system.
11.6
Ultraviolet Lighting
A Norman P2000D power unit with two LH2000 lamp heads are available as a normal light
source with settings ranging from 400 w-s to 2000 w-s. A special filter can be added so that
only ultraviolet light is emitted. For constant ultraviolet lighting, two black fluorescent lamps
can be set up. Each lamp unit has four 30-watt bulbs.
11.7
Image Processing
Color film can be developed off-campus within an hour. Black and white film can be
developed on-campus within 24 hours. A digital color scanner is available for digitizing
photos.
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41.5"
52.5"
144.0"
43.00"
35.75"
48.00 "
CL
96.00 "
CL
58.50 "
36.00 "
36.00 "
144.00 "
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A static pressure gradient of -0.0050 CP/ft exists in the 2D test section that is not present in the 3D test
section. The gradient is present because the 2D inserts prevent the test section from being directly vented
to the atmosphere, combined with the increase in boundary layer thickness on the 2D walls. The static
pressure gradient is accounted for in data reduction by applying a buoyancy correction to drag.
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Model Installation
Upon delivery of the model, UWAL personnel will assist in the assembly and mounting of the
model. To help unload large models, a forklift is kept on-site. Once the model has been
partially assembled, a hoist is used to lift the model from the ground floor and into the test
section. UWAL has a set of lifting eyes that can be attached to the model if the model has
threaded holes at least deep for a 3/8-16 bolt.
13.2
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28.50 "
13.00 "
21.00 " *
WIND
48.00 "
31.75 "
26.50 " *
THICKNESS
7/8
1-3/8
1-3/4
7/8
7/8
1-3/4
TRAILING EDGE
NON-TRUNCATED
NON-TRUNCATED
NON-TRUNCATED
TRUNCATED
TRUNCATED
TRUNCATED
To determine the total height from the test section floor, add the cap thickness to the fairing height
(31.75).
A strut base plug fouling ring can be used with fairing caps 4.3 and 4.6. It is only available for use with
the Single Strut. Fouling ring thickness is 7/8 with an outside diameter of 4-1/4. All other caps have
built-in fouling circuits.
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13.2. Three-Point
The standard model mount consists of a "V" shaped yaw fork and a pitch arm (see Figures 17
and 18). The model pitches about the upper end of the yaw fork and the whole assembly
rotates in yaw. Fitting Nos. 3 and 4 are usually used with the yaw forks and No. 2 for the
pitch arm when mounted in a wing.
The yaw forks designated by -H place the model trunnion at the balance moment center.
The -H yaw forks usually mount into the wing (for wing alone model build up). For large
models, yaw forks 10-H or 14-H are recommended since they are stiffer in yaw and roll.
The two yaw forks designated -L place the trunnion five inches below the balance moment
center. The -L forks can be used for a high wing model with a deep fuselage to keep the wing
near the tunnel centerline.
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13.3
Two-Point
The two-point model mount consists of a strut and a pitch arm. There are several different
types of struts available (see Figures 20, 24, 25, and 26). A two-point mount is normally used
for testing since it reduces aerodynamic interference and tare effects compared to a threepoint mount.
The Single Strut is the usual mount for the majority of aircraft tests. It has a male clutch-face
(24-tooth, 60included angle) which attaches to a female trunnion block. A single bolt
threads down through the trunnion block and into the Single Strut. UWAL has several
trunnion blocks of various sizes for use by customers. If the customer needs a special set of
pins to be used with an existing trunnion block, it is recommended that the block be sent to
the customer for precise fitting. Please check with UWAL on availability of the trunnion
blocks and pins.
Three-dimensional models exist for the trunnion blocks shown on the following pages. The
parts were modeled using UniGraphics software. Electronic files containing the 3D model are
available in either UniGraphics or IGES (International Graphic Exchange Standard) formats
upon request.
The table below indicates the location of the trunnion with regard to the center of the test
section. These values are needed for transferring moments from the balance moment center
(BMC) to the desired model moment centers specified by the customer.
TRUNNION BLOCK
Small
Large
Offset
X (in.)
0.0
0.0
-1.318
Z (in.)
0.0
0.0
-0.137
The Single Strut has a 0.75 diameter internal tube for routing instrumentation cables. A tall
fairing cap can be installed on the fairing to cover the cables as they exit the single strut tube.
This further reduces aerodynamic effects caused by the cables since they are covered by the
cap.
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Figure 21: Single Strut With Pitch Arm Installed (2-point mount)
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13.4
One-Point
Any of the single struts can be used to support a model from a single point. A one-point
mount should only be used with small models at low airspeed to minimize the chance of
structural failure.
Another possibility is to mount the model directly to a yaw turntable that lies flush with the 8
x 8ground plane. The turntable is three feet in diameter and sits 6.25 inches above the test
section floor. A yaw turntable allows for 30of yaw. By mounting the model to a second
plate that mounts to the first turntable, the orientation of the two plates can be changed to
allow for 180of yaw.
13.5
13.6
Ground Planes
To simulate ground effect for aircraft and other vehicles, a "ground plane" is placed in the test
section. Several ground planes are available. The standard ground plane is a -thick
plywood platform spanning the test section and extending 48 inches upstream from the center
of the test section and 96 inches downstream. A leading edge extension of 24 inches can be
added if needed. The vertical positions of the standard ground plane are listed below.
Table 5: Standard Ground Plane Positions
Positions
(in. from floor to top of G.P.)
25-5/8 to 40-1/8 by approx.
1/4"
40 5/8
40 7/8
41 1/8
41 7/8
43 1/8
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Additionally, a small ground plane is available for use with a yaw turntable. The small ground
plane measures 8x 8and has a fixed height of six inches above the test section floor.
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14.2
Image Strut/Fork
UWAL can install an image strut/fork, fairing, and pitch arm to mimic the model support in
order to determine the actual aerodynamic effects (i.e. tare and interference) on the
customers model. The whole strut tare process is time consuming since it involves running
the model through two more sets of configurations, inverted and inverted with an image strut,
in order to evaluate the effects for the desired upright configurations.
Figure 30: Image of Single Strut & Fairing With Boeing 757 Model
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Figure 31: Powered Model Mounted on 14-H Fork, Hose Strut, and Pitch Arm.
15.1
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Power Output:*
Maximum Current:
Voltage Range:
Frequency Range:
Each Alternator
125 KVA (~165 Hp)
130 amps
0.5 to 1.50 volts per cycle
0 to 450 Hz
15.2
Electric Motor
UWAL has a Task Corporation, 52 hp electric motor (Model 17060) for use in powered
models. The specifications are listed below:
Table 7: 52 hp Task Motor Specifications
RPM
Phase
Frequency
Current
Volts
Water required
11,500
3
400 Hz
65 amps
440
1.6 gal./min.
TACHOMETER LEADS
4 COOLANT INLETS
3/8" O.D. TUBING
1.75"
4.00" dia
0.75" dia
0.88"
0.65"
16.450"
3 POWER LEADS
#12 AWG X 18.0 LONG
2 PAIR IRON & CONSTANTAN
THERMOCOUPLE LEADS
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Hardware
The data system consists of a dual-processor 150-MHz Pentium Pro PC with a 16-bit analogto-digital converter. It is networked with all other computers in the computer room using a
Microsoft Windows NT network. To avoid network interference, a serial cable is used to
transfer data between the on-line plotting PC and the data acquisition PC immediately after it
has been recorded.
16.2
Data Processing
The data system nominally has 30 channels with two additional channels for model
positioning. Each channel of the data acquisition system has an associated signal conditioner
and amplifier. For a normal force test only seven of the twenty available channels are used.
Data are taken at a sampling rate of 100 samples per second. Data are only taken if the
dynamic pressure is on condition, that is if the dynamic pressure is within 1% of the target
value. Each test point consists of five seconds of on-condition data. The on-condition criteria
can be changed to meet individual test requirements, for example, on-condition only if the
velocity is within 1 ft/sec.
16.3
16.4
Model Positioning
The data acquisition system moves the model through a preprogrammed set of angles. The
list of desired angles can be a series of subsets. An example for pitching the model: -10to 2by 2, -2to +2by 1,+2to 32by 4. Furthermore, if the actual angle of the model is
not within 0.02of the target angle, the system can be setup to retry until the actual angle is
within tolerance. The tolerance is also defined by the operator.
A model position calibration is conducted for each model. Angles of yaw are measured after
determining the yaw = 0 point. Angles of attack are measured by an internal model
accelerometer. Each model should be built with a cavity for housing the UWAL model
accelerometer. See Section 20: Miscellaneous for more details.
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If the model cannot accommodate the internal model accelerometer, the angles of attack are
determined by an encoder that measures the position of the pitch arm. The encoder reading is
correlated to the model angle of attack using a precision inclinometer (0.01 resolution).
The calibration provides angles of attack to within 0.02. A detailed drawing of the UWAL
inclinometer is in the Section 20, to be used in creating a mounting block for the customers
model. The customer is responsible for providing a reference surface for placement of the
inclinometer.
16.5
Auxiliary Instrumentation
Inputs to the system may be either full or half bridge resistive transducers or dc voltages.
Transducer excitation is normally 5 or 12 volts. The amplifiers are gain switchable in ten
steps to give a full scale input from 8 to 245 millivolts. In addition, the amplifiers have a tenstep low pass filter with cutoffs from 1/8 to 256 Hz, normally set at 1 Hz.
Hardware
The UWAL data reduction system can call upon several different computers to reduce the
data with either UWAL codes or customer provided codes. The standard data reduction
system uses a network of PCs running Windows NT. Other available computers include a
DEC Vaxstation 3200 and DEC Microstation II. If the customer desires, the UWAL network
can be connected to the Internet for data transfer.
17.2
Software
Data are typically corrected using Visual BASIC programs. Programs can be written on-site
if the need arises. PCs use Microsoft Windows NT and have word processing, spreadsheet,
and plotting packages for use by the customer. Standard corrections include balance
interactions, blockage, wall effects, flow angularity, and weight tares. Other corrections can
be applied to the data, such as strut tares, as the customer desires.
17.3
Storage Media
UWAL can provide data on a variety of electronic media. The standard format is a PCformatted, CD-ROM. UWAL also supports 100MB Zip disks and 1.44MB floppy disks.
Non-standard formats can be accommodated as well. Non-standard formats increase the turnaround time for final data since the conversion takes place at the main computing center on
campus. Data can also be transferred via the Internet (see Auxiliary Services).
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On-Line Plots
On-line plots of corrected coefficient data are available on screen within two seconds after a data
point is acquired. A PC is dedicated to plotting the data point-by-point to as many as 25 different
grids. The grids are updated and displayed on a 17 color monitor for the customer to view
immediately after the data are recorded during the run. The customer can print any grid to a laser
printer for closer analysis. Plots are available in either 11 x 17 or 8 x 11 paper sizes.
The on-line plotting system applies balance interactions, weight tares, flow angularity corrections,
wall corrections, blockage corrections, and transfers moments to three customer-specified model
moment centers. Data are available in the wind, body, and stability axes.
A desktop personal computer is located in the company room for use by the customer. It is
connected to the local network of PCs so that the customer can plot either on-line or final data at
his/her convenience. The off-line version of the plotting program allows the user more flexibility
in plotting and is distributed with the test data to the customer. The PC also allows the customer
to view the digital configuration photos taken by UWAL personnel.
18.2
Final Plots
The final data set has more detailed weight tares, wall corrections, and can have additional tares
applied. Final plots of the corrected data are available at the Test Engineer's request. Final plots
are produced on 11" x 17" or 8" x 11" paper using the off-line plotting software. Each plot can
be printed with legends, multiple title lines, and additional notes. Final plots are generally
available one week after test completion.
However, the customer has the option of doing the plotting by him/herself with the PC-based
UWAL off-line plotting program. This option allows plots to be created during and after the test.
Please see the Appendix for a sample plot.
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Model Design/Construction
UWAL has aeronautical engineers who can assist in the design and supervision of
manufacturing model parts through the Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics machine
shop. For larger projects involving the design and construction of complete models, local
model builders can be subcontracted. Please contact UWAL for a list of model builders.
If special electrical instrumentation is required for a test, UWAL can call upon several
electrical engineers to assist in the design and/or setup of the equipment.
19.2
Data Analysis
Faculty and staff from within the Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics can be called
upon for their services in the fields of airplane design, gas and fluid dynamics, structures,
control systems, propulsion, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). For customers with
non-aero needs, faculty from around the campus can also be consulted. Rates for consulting
services are determined on an individual basis.
19.3
19.4
Internet Access
UWAL can provide the customer with a computer account on one of the Department of
Aeronautics & Astronautics computer systems. The account allows the customer Internet
access and use of email.
19.5
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20. Miscellaneous
20.1
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20.2
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20.3
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20.4
Sample Plot
Below is a sample of what the plotting software looks like that is used by the customer to
produce final data plots.
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20.5
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20.6
q (psf)
MPH
Knots
19.8
17.2
29.0
8.8
31.8
185,348
44.2
38.4
64.9
19.8
71.2
414,450
10
62.5
54.3
91.7
28.0
100.7
586,121
15
76.6
66.5
112.3
34.2
123.3
717,848
20
88.4
76.9
129.7
39.5
142.3
828,900
25
98.9
85.9
145.0
44.2
159.1
926,738
30
108.3
94.1
158.9
48.4
174.3
1,015,191
35
117.0
101.7
171.6
52.3
188.3
1,096,531
40
125.1
108.7
183.5
55.9
201.3
1,172,241
45
132.7
115.3
194.6
59.3
213.5
1,243,350
50
139.8
121.5
205.1
62.5
225.1
1,310,606
55
146.7
127.5
215.1
65.6
236.0
1,374,575
60
153.2
133.1
224.7
68.5
246.5
1,435,697
65
159.5
138.6
233.9
71.3
256.6
1,494,320
70
165.5
143.8
242.7
74.0
266.3
1,550,730
75
171.3
148.8
251.2
76.6
275.6
1,605,158
80
176.9
153.7
259.4
79.1
284.7
1,657,800
85
182.3
158.4
267.4
81.5
293.4
1,708,821
90
187.6
163.0
275.2
83.9
302.0
1,758,362
95
192.8
167.5
282.7
86.2
310.2
1,806,545
100
197.8
171.9
290.1
88.4
318.3
1,853,476
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ft / sec m / sec km / hr
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Re / ft