SUPERSONIC WIND TUNNEL (CONT)

A suction-type continuous-operation supersonic wind
tunnel for investigations into subsonic and supersonic air
flow. It also allows students to study air flow in two
dimensions around aerodynamic models.
An instrument frame (supplied) holds a remote control unit
that controls a high-capacity vacuum pump (supplied).
The pump creates a low pressure downstream of the
working section to draw air into the wind tunnel. A bypass
duct with a hand-operated valve allows the operator to
reduce the airflow through the Working Section without
disturbing the quality of the main airflow. This is useful for
startup and shutdown and for subsonic tests.
The working section of the wind tunnel is a convergentdivergent
nozzle with a removable top part (?liner?). The
shape of the liner controls the maximum air velocity at the
divergent part of the working section. Included are three
different liners.
A selection of models are included with the equipment
(one has pressure tappings) for experiments in twodimensional
flow. These fit in the ?portal? of the working
section, flush to both windows. A geared mechanism
allows students to adjust the incidence angle of the
models. An encoder works with the optional VDAS to
measure the model angle.
Pressure tappings along the working section connect to a
?mimic? panel and multi-pressure display unit in the
instrument frame. The display unit shows the pressures at
the tappings. The display includes calibrated pressure
sensors to measure pressures relative to atmosphere. It also
shows the pressures on one of the models.
An analogue pressure gauge measures and displays the
suction of the pump (tunnel reference pressure). This
pressure line also connects to the multi-pressure display for
data acquisition.
The equipment works with TecQuipment?s optional
Versatile Data Acquisition System (VDAS?) and can quickly
and conveniently connect to a frame-mounting interface
unit (VDAS-F, not included). Using VDAS? enables
accurate real-time data capture, monitoring, display,
calculation and charting of all relevant parameters on a
suitable computer (computer not included).
The wind tunnel includes transparent windows in the
working section. These are high-quality optical glass
suitable for use with the optional Schlieren Apparatus
(AF302a, available separately) enabling display and
recording of images of high-speed flow.