Introduction
The Pilot Subsonic Wind Tunnel was the first aerodynamic test facility available at the argentine aircraft factory. It was put into operation in 1935 and is still a useful tool for aircraft development, particular for model in the initial design phase. It is a NPL type open circuit wind tunnel, having a 1,50 [m] circular test section.
Operating Parameters
- Mach number: 0.5
- Maximum speed: 50 [m/s]. Empty chamber
- Reynolds number: 30000 [1/cm]
- Stagnation pressure: Atmospheric pressure
- Model span: 1.20 [m] max.
- Fan motor power: 150 [HP]
- Fan motor r.p.m: 630
- Fan motor drive: Ward Leonard
- Running time: Continuous
Aerodynamic Balance
The tunnel is equipped with a 4-componet Toussaint type mechanical balance. It provides a direct indication of the lift and drag forces and of the pitch and roll moments. The measurement of side force and yawing moment is carried out rotating de model 90 degrees so as to mount it with its wing in a vertical plane.
Types of test
- Longitudinal tests, to determinate lift and drag forces and pitch moment.
- Transversal tests, to determinate side force and yawing and rolling moments.
- Pressure distribution test, using a especial model in which the surface points where the pressure is to be investigated are connected through plastic or metal tubes to a measuring device such as a multimanometer, Scanivalve, etc.
- Flow visualisation. This technique uses special coating or tufts on the model surfaces to investigate the flow pattern around the model.
E-mail: cia@iua.edu.ar