An automated system for navigating object mounts within a wind tunnel facility

From an engineering point of view, understanding how the flow behaves downstream from solid objects is essential. The current configuration of the Armfield subsonic wind tunnel (computer controlled C15 − 10 model) does not provide uniform guidance for objects in the test section, which is essential for collecting data on flow behavior at varying downstream locations. The paper elaborates on the characteristics of an automatic mechanism designed to facilitate the traversal of objects in the wind tunnel facility. The configuration consists of an altered base plate within the test section of the wind tunnel, on which the mounting system for the appropriate objects is attached. A belt mechanism located beneath the plate, external to the test section, enables movement of mounted objects. The motor configuration employed to drive the belt allows the mounted object to traverse at the necessary speed, which is determined by the application used to measure flow dynamics. Measures taken to prevent air flow leakage from the wind tunnel facility are also outlined.