"Windtunnel tests"
Its a STADIUM, not a bloody Mercedes.
Wind tunnel testing is an integral part of the design process in many industries. Whether an
object is stationary or mobile, wind tunnels provide insight into the effects of air as it moves over
or around the test model.
Since the physics of flight depend on the proper flow of air to produce lift and reduce drag, wind
tunnel evaluations are essential in the aerospace industry. Even in an age of advanced computer
simulation, aerospace engineers still rely on the testing of physical models to verify the computer
data and establish baseline aerodynamic information.
In the never-ending quest for more efficient automobiles, aerodynamics play a very important
part in vehicle design. Routinely, the large automotive companies employ wind tunnels to analyze
their latest models. While these companies may test an entire vehicle, they will also evaluate the
aerodynamics of individual components, such as grilles, side view mirrors, air dams, rear-deck
spoilers and roof racks.
If aerodynamics is important for passenger cars, consider how vital it is in the race car industry.
In a high speed event, even a slight advantage can be the difference between the checkered flag
and “the agony of defeat.” Race teams routinely subject scale models to wind tunnel testing as
well as full-size cars or individual parts (figure 1).
To make the models for the wind tunnel, automotive and aerospace companies have relied on
traditional manufacturing operations. They have used milling, turning and fabrication to convert
metal and plastic into test models. These operations require programming, set up and operator
supervision, which adds to lead time and cost. Considering the amount of material that ends up
as chips on the floor, the material costs can be high.
Cars and planes are not the only beneficiaries of wind tunnel testing. This analysis is just as
important for stationary structures. In the architectural industry, much consideration is given
to the effects of wind on high-rise buildings, bridges and stadiums, especially when they are
located in areas prone to extreme weather. A scale model of the structure is attached to a test
rig that has surrounding terrain and ground features. The test rig is placed in the tunnel, and
measurements are collected. These results are combined with historical data on wind speeds to
predict the total load on the structure and the possible effects.
In the case of architectural models, a skilled model maker will spend days building these
structures by hand. Crafted from foam board, acrylic and other materials, the scale models are
representative of the design but rarely true to every detail.
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