58
3 Subsonic Wind Tunnels
Specific set ups are available to realise a wide range of research and industrial tests
on simple generic configurations, vehicle models (aircraft, land vehicles, ships, etc.),
wing profiles and other devices.
The return circuit constitutes a secondary test section of adaptable cross section
ranging between 2.5 × 2.5 m
2 and 4 × 4 m
2 with a maximum velocity of 35 m/s and
an adjustable turbulence level. This test section allows testing on various types of
large object and is equipped with a rotor test-bed. Thanks to turbulence generators
and the development of a thick turbulent boundary layer on a 16 m long floor, this test
section makes it possible to reproduce on a reduced scale an atmospheric boundarylayer flow of up to 15 m/s, for tests on building models, urban topography models,
relief topography, wind turbine farms models and many other tests requiring such
inlet flow (see Fig. 3.11). This facility is dedicated to the research activities of the
PRISME Laboratory and is also used for industrial services.
The wind tunnel has a wide range of measurement capabilities including 6component aerodynamic balances, rotor testing rig (measurement of torque, axial
thrust and pressure on the blades), steady and unsteady pressure transducers,
PIV systems (2D-2C), stereo-PIV (2D-3C), LDV, hot-wire anemometry and flow
visualisation (by smoke, surface oil flow, etc.).
Fig. 3.11 Urban topography test in the return circuit of the Malavard wind tunnel of the PRISME
laboratory (© PRISME Laboratory)
3 Subsonic Wind Tunnels
Specific set ups are available to realise a wide range of research and industrial tests
on simple generic configurations, vehicle models (aircraft, land vehicles, ships, etc.),
wing profiles and other devices.
The return circuit constitutes a secondary test section of adaptable cross section
ranging between 2.5 × 2.5 m
2 and 4 × 4 m
2 with a maximum velocity of 35 m/s and
an adjustable turbulence level. This test section allows testing on various types of
large object and is equipped with a rotor test-bed. Thanks to turbulence generators
and the development of a thick turbulent boundary layer on a 16 m long floor, this test
section makes it possible to reproduce on a reduced scale an atmospheric boundarylayer flow of up to 15 m/s, for tests on building models, urban topography models,
relief topography, wind turbine farms models and many other tests requiring such
inlet flow (see Fig. 3.11). This facility is dedicated to the research activities of the
PRISME Laboratory and is also used for industrial services.
The wind tunnel has a wide range of measurement capabilities including 6component aerodynamic balances, rotor testing rig (measurement of torque, axial
thrust and pressure on the blades), steady and unsteady pressure transducers,
PIV systems (2D-2C), stereo-PIV (2D-3C), LDV, hot-wire anemometry and flow
visualisation (by smoke, surface oil flow, etc.).
Fig. 3.11 Urban topography test in the return circuit of the Malavard wind tunnel of the PRISME
laboratory (© PRISME Laboratory)