WIND TUNNEL DETAIL
Flow Quality The test section accommodates up to 50% scale race car models for maximum accuracy. A combination of flow conditioning screens and high contraction ratio were specified to ensure excellent turbulence and boundary layer control for a tunnel of this size and type, yielding superior quality, accuracy and repeatability of results. Air Management The tunnel’s high top wind speed delivers test results with excellent correlation to full- size performance. Heat generated by the main fan is dissipated through a large heat exchanger positioned in the air stream and a 520KW chiller unit, preventing temperature build-up and hot spots. Environmental The tunnel was designed to provide an extremely low noise signature as required for 24/7 testing. Balance System A 6-component overhead balance system manufactured by aerodynamic equipment specialists Aerotech (https://www.ate.co.uk) is at the heart of the wind tunnel’s data gathering system. It facilitates precise measurement of lift, drag and lateral forces, along with their associated moments of yaw, roll and pitch. The overhead balance is mounted on an independent pile foundation to eliminate the influence of external vibrations. Accuracy is maintained by a self- correcting calibration system.
Model Control Hydraulic control of the model’s attitude is fully computerised, enabling constant model motion during runs including yaw and roll plus front wheel steering up to plus ± 10 degrees. A unique feature of the system is the ability to change wheelbase and track from the control room, increasing productivity and flexibility. Rolling Road Control The entire rolling road section can be yawed with, or separately from, the model to simulate the aerodynamic effects of slip angles and crosswinds. This data is especially useful for vehicles with less downforce and / or more frontal area (i.e. road cars, EVs). Computer system The wind tunnel is controlled by the latest Cosworth Diablo software which was originally designed specifically for complex wind tunnel applications. Diablo provides a high degree of test automation with tests configured in advance, then automatically managed to run through a sequence of test conditions, controlling and coordinating subsystems, whilst collecting the experimental data and logging it to the PC storage. Data can be analysed while the test proceeds, and performance metrics written into a SQL database. Computer hardware was renewed in 2024.
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