90
3 Subsonic Wind Tunnels
with a closed circuit wind tunnel with a test section which is 2.3 m wide, 2.2 m high
and 4.75 m long (see Fig. 3.54). The contraction ratio is 7 and a turbulence intensity
of 0.1% is attained at a maximum velocity of 40 m/s with a 250 kW fan. The wind
tunnel can be equipped with a rolling road 3 m long and 1.5 m wide that can travel at
a maximum speed of 40 m/s for model scales ranging from 25 to 50%. The upstream
boundary layer can be aspirated. The wind tunnel has a 6-component main balance
and other 3-component balances (fin, wheels). In addition to the force measurements,
the wind tunnel instrumentation allows surface oil flow visualisations, wall pressure
and PIV measurements. Figure 3.55a shows a prototype model tested with a rolling
road wider than the model which is then held by a mast mounted on the roof with
lateral supports for measuring the forces on the wheels. The rolling road can be
replaced by a 1.5 m diameter turntable in order to measure skid forces on many other
configurations such as bicycle, motorcycle, aircraft, building, etc. Figure 3.55b shows
a test on a race motorcycle for the identification of the most optimised aerodynamic
position.
Fig. 3.54 Layout of the ACE wind tunnel at Magny-Cours (© Aero Concept Engineering)
(a) Prototype of a sports car
(b) Motorcycle with rider
Fig. 3.55 The ACE wind tunnel at Magny-Cours (© Aero Concept Engineering)
3 Subsonic Wind Tunnels
with a closed circuit wind tunnel with a test section which is 2.3 m wide, 2.2 m high
and 4.75 m long (see Fig. 3.54). The contraction ratio is 7 and a turbulence intensity
of 0.1% is attained at a maximum velocity of 40 m/s with a 250 kW fan. The wind
tunnel can be equipped with a rolling road 3 m long and 1.5 m wide that can travel at
a maximum speed of 40 m/s for model scales ranging from 25 to 50%. The upstream
boundary layer can be aspirated. The wind tunnel has a 6-component main balance
and other 3-component balances (fin, wheels). In addition to the force measurements,
the wind tunnel instrumentation allows surface oil flow visualisations, wall pressure
and PIV measurements. Figure 3.55a shows a prototype model tested with a rolling
road wider than the model which is then held by a mast mounted on the roof with
lateral supports for measuring the forces on the wheels. The rolling road can be
replaced by a 1.5 m diameter turntable in order to measure skid forces on many other
configurations such as bicycle, motorcycle, aircraft, building, etc. Figure 3.55b shows
a test on a race motorcycle for the identification of the most optimised aerodynamic
position.
Fig. 3.54 Layout of the ACE wind tunnel at Magny-Cours (© Aero Concept Engineering)
(a) Prototype of a sports car
(b) Motorcycle with rider
Fig. 3.55 The ACE wind tunnel at Magny-Cours (© Aero Concept Engineering)