Design of robust mechanical mounts for test models in wind tunnel

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2023-05

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Abstract

A Wind tunnel is a device that analyses airflow behaviour and its effects on small-scale objects. Using a wind tunnel, one can simulate real-life conditions influencing the test object's forces. One of the wind tunnel's uses is to see how air interacts with the still model. Results from the model's interaction in the air can be used to predict how real-life-sized models will respond. Obtaining data from the small-scale model can inform users on data for a large-scale test object. Wind tunnels are used in automotive testing, rocket and propulsion tunnels, and smoke tunnels for flow visualization. This project aims to complete the functioning of an existing wind tunnel to help students appreciate theories and principles in fluid mechanics and aerodynamics at Ashesi University. The project's focus was the test section that holds the test model mount and pressure mount. In the test section, the test model mount and pressure mount must be compatible with specific sensors. This report gives a detailed outline from ideation to testing and results. After conducting statistical analysis, results show different shape geometries of objects yield significant variations in force, pressure and velocity measured.

Description

Capstone Project submitted to the Department of Engineering, Ashesi University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, May 2023

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