Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

Date of Award

8-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Dr. Isaac Choutapalli

Second Advisor

Dr. Horacio Vasquez

Third Advisor

Dr. Robert Freeman

Abstract

When it comes to designing products that will be highly subjected to the aerodynamics of the atmospheric freestream, it’s vital to take into consideration parameters such as geometry and surface smoothness. The optimization of the performance of certain products may be done so with the usage of wind tunnel testing. In order to utilize this tool to its full potential, the flow quality must be pre-determined before running tests. In determining the flow quality there are two main parameters needed to obtain this value. These parameters are referred to as the Turbulence Factor (TF) and Turbulence Intensity (TI). To calculate these values the following methods are options to help determining the unknowns. Hot Wire Anemometry, Laser Doppler Velocimetry [LDV], Turbulence & Pressure Spheres. For this report the method of Turbulence Spheres will be used for the determination of the flow quality of the UTPA’s sub sonic, open circuit wind tunnel.

Comments

Copyright 2015 David Omar Cano. All Rights Reserved.

https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/wind-tunnel-flow-characterization-utilizing/docview/1734467276/se-2?accountid=7119

Granting Institution

University of Texas-Pan American

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