Industry
Aerospace
#
Project 1
Wind Tunnel - Controlled Testing, Flow Analysis & Visualization.
Knowledge of how to design experiments, calibrate instruments, and interpret flow visualization.
This project focuses on the design, construction, and operation of a small-scale wind tunnel environment designed to simulate real-world flight conditions. By bridging the gap between theoretical fluid dynamics and physical prototyping, this testbed serves as a critical platform for analyzing airfoil performance. Through the development of custom fixtures and the use of flow visualization techniques, the project explores the fundamental relationship between lift and the angle of attack, providing essential data on stall behavior. This hands-on experience in experimental design and instrument calibration mirrors the workflows found in high-level aerospace labs, specifically those dedicated to UAV development and CubeSat deployable systems.
Phase 1: Concept & Sourcing
This phase introduces the wind tunnel through the lens of a student engineer. It outlines the initial project start, focusing on the mindset required to move from a concept to a physical structure. Documentation here covers the selection of materials and the specific manufacturing processes used to create the tunnel's framework.
Phase 2: Fabrication & Assembly
Phase two focuses on hands-on construction. The goal was to create a tunnel that is both aesthetic and fully functional. This section details the physical measurements and the creative engineering required to solve assembly issues that occur in the workshop rather than on paper, demonstrating the importance of manual technical skills.
Phase 3: Testing & Programming
This phase covers the actual testing of geometrical shapes and the integration of control systems. It highlights the technical challenges of programming the data acquisition tools and includes video documentation of the cube-mesh testing. This section explains the specific data being collected and how the Design of Experiments (DOE) relates to professional aerospace standards.
Phase 4: Data & Industry Analysis
Phase four involves the recollection and refinement of experimental data. These results are compared against live aerospace projects and real-world aircraft engineering variables. By analyzing aerofoil shapes and changing variables, we can see how laboratory results align with large-scale aerospace applications.
Phase 5: Evaluation & Transition
The final phase concludes the current data set and transitions into the next project cycle. It provides a contrast between student-led engineering and industry-level execution. This section focuses on the mathematical.
