DHANALAKSHMI SRINIVASAN ENGINEERING

COLLEGE
(AUTONOMOUS)
(Approved by AICTE & Affiliated to Anna University, Chennai)
Accredited with ‘A’ Grade by NAAC, Accredited by TCS
Accredited by NBA with BME, ECE & EEE
PERAMBALUR-621 212, TAMILNADU.
Website: [Link]

DEPARTMENT OF AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING

U20AE406 AERODYNAMICS LAB

(r-2020)

YEAR/SEM: II/IV
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List of Experiments

S. No Experiment

1 Study of Subsonic Wind Tunnel

2 Calibration of a Subsonic Wind Tunnel

3 Determination of lift for the given airfoil section

4 Pressure Distribution over a smooth circular cylinder

5 Pressure Distribution over a Rough circular cylinder

6 Pressure Distribution over a Symmetrical Aerofoil

7 Pressure Distribution over a Cambered Aerofoil

8 Flow over a flat plate at different angle of incidence

9 Flow visualization in smoke tunnel

10 Flow visualization in water flow channel

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Ex. No.: 01 Study of Subsonic Wind Tunnel

1Date:

Introduction

Wind tunnels are devices which provides air streams flowing under controlled
conditions so that models of interest can be tested using them from operational point
of view, wind- tunnels are generally classified as

(1) Low speed tunnels

(2) High speed tunnels
(3) Specific purpose tunnels.

Low Speed Tunnels

Low speed tunnels are those with test section speed less than 650kmph
depending upon the test section size. They are referred to as small size (or) fuel scale
tunnels, having no guide return of air.

After leaving the diffuser, the air circulates, by division path back to the
intake, if the tunnel , draws air density from the atm entirely fresh air is used . The
second type, called closed circuit tunnels (or) return flow tunnel, has a continuous
path of the air.

Both open circuit and closed circuit tunnels can operate with either open jet
(or) closed jet is that test sections. Open jet is that test section without side walls .The
test section cross section can have different sidewalls and closed jet is that with
sidewalls. The cross section can have different shapes such as
rectangular,circular,elliptical, octagonal etc,.

A generally utility low speed tunnel has flow important components namely,
the diffuser, the test-section, the diffuser and driving unit.

n= Area of entry of convergent curve

Area of exit of convergent curve

The contraction ratio usually varies from 4 to 20 for conventional low speed
tunnel.

Test Section

The portion of the tunnel with constant flow characteristics, across its section
is tunnel as test or working section, since, boundary layer is formed along the test
section walls. The walls are given a suitable divergence so that the net cross sectional
area of the uniform flow is constant along the length of test section.
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Diffuser

The purpose of the diffuser is to convert the kinetic energy of the flow
coming out of the test section of the pressure energy. Before it leaves the diffuser, as
efficiently as possible generally. The smaller is the diffuser near the exit, its cross
section should be circular to accommodate the fan.

The Driving Unit

Generally the drive which consists of a motor and a propeller (or) fan
combination. The fan is to increases the static pressure of the stream leaving the
diffuser.

The wind tunnel fan working similar to the propeller of airplane operates
under peculiar conditions that put it in a class by itself. Since the thrust of the fan is
drag of various tunnel components vary they maintain an even velocity front in test
section. Although the conclusion is not true. In deed many large tunnels which are
equipped with both rpm and pitch change mechanism use only the lather being quick
and similar.

1- trolly strand 8- Diffuser

2- pitot tube 9-Model

3- Balance 10-Test section
4- control unit 11 & 13-Contraction cone
5- frequency monitor 12-Settling
chamber 6-power unit
7- Drive unit

RESULTS

The subsonic wind tunnel is studied.

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[Link] : 02 Calibration of a Subsonic Wind Tunnel

Date:

Aim:
To understand the variation in air velocity at the mid of the test section according to speed

Apparatus Required:
 Subsonic Wind Tunnel
 Pitot-Static tube

Formulae:
ω=fx2π
f= ω/2π
ω=2πN/60
N=60xω/2π
Where,
ω= Angular Velocity (r/s)
N= Speed of the wind tunnel
f=Frequency of the wind tunnel (Hz)
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Tabulation:

Velocity (V) Frequency (f)

S. No. N (rpm)
(m/s) (Hz)
1

10
 5

Procedure:
 Switch “ON” the Main which is connected to the 440 V, 32 A, 3 ph, AC power supply with
neutral and earth connection.
 Check all the switches of the controller are in “OFF” position before starting.
 Switch “ON” the MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) of Console Board.
 Put-on the mains and observe the main indicator lights are glowing at the bottom of the control
panel.
 Set the Pitot tube at mid position of the test section.
 Control the main flow of air in the test section by increasing the AC motor speed gradually.
 Note the velocity (m/s) for different speed of the drive (RPM).
 After the experiment switch “OFF” all accessories.
 The given Subsonic Wind Tunnel is equipped with a drive control which shows the speed in
Frequency (Hz).
 To convert the Frequency into RPM,
 This driven having 4 poles, can find the RPM for diverse of Frequency.
 Plot a graph for RPM vs. Test section velocity by taking x-axis for velocity and y-axis for RPM.

Graph:
Velocity (m/s) Vs N (rpm)

Result:
Thus the wind tunnel has calibrated successfully and plotted the graph for Velocity vs N.
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Ex. No.: 03 Determination of lift for the given airfoil section

Date:

Aim:
To find the Coefficient of forces over the Symmetrical Airfoil

Apparatus Required:
 Subsonic Wind Tunnel
 Symmetrical Airfoil model with Balance

Formulae Used:
2
Theoretical force FT = x AV x cosα x 9.81
ρair is density of air = 1.25 kg/m3
A is projected area of Aerofoil = S x C
V - Air at velocity (m/s)
g - Gravity=9.81m/s2

Co-efficient of Lift, CL =

Co-efficient of Drag, CD =

Co-efficient of Side force, CS =

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Observations:
S= 0.295 m C= 0.1m

Angle Theoretical
Lift Force Drag Force Side Force
S. No of Velocity Cosα Force CL CD CS
FL FD FS
Attack (m/S) FT
‘α’

5
 8

Procedure:
 Switch “ON” the Main which is connected to the 440 V, 32 A, 3 ph, AC power supply with
neutral and earth connection.
 Check all the switches of the controller are in “OFF” position before starting.
 Switch “ON” the MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) of Console Board.
 Put-on the mains and observe the main indicator lights are glowing at the bottom of the control
panel.
 Fix the Symmetrical Airfoil model in the test section, at required orientation.

 Control the main flow of air in the test section by increasing the AC motor speed gradually.
 Set the speed as constant and note the velocity from the RPM vs. Test section Velocity
plot.
 Measure and note the readings from the force indicators for different Angle of Attacks.
 After the experiment switch “OFF” all accessories.
 Find the coefficient of forces for considered Angle of Attack from calculation.
 Plot a graph for Coefficient of forces vs. Angle of Attack by taking x-axis for Angle of Attack and
y-axis for coefficient of forces.

Graph:
1. CL Vs Angle of Attack
2. CD Vs Angle of Attack
3. CS Vs Angle of Attack

Result:
Thus the Coefficient of Forces over the Symmetrical Airfoil model has been found and required plot has
been drawn.
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Ex. No. : 04 PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION OVER A SMOOTH CIRCULAR CYLINDER

Date :

Aim:
To find the Coefficient of pressure over the surface of smooth circular cylinder to analyze its flow
behavior and flow separation.

Apparatus Required:
 Subsonic Wind Tunnel
 Smooth Circular Cylinder with Pressure taps
 Multi tube Manometer setup.

Formulae:

1. CP = = =

Where,

Cp is Co-efficient of pressure
PS is Static Pressure
P0 is Initial Pressure
ρ is Density of air (1.25 Kg/m3)
v is velocity of air

2. Ps = Pi √

Where,

Pi is pressure at various points

3. P0 = Pr – P13

Where Pr is the atmospheric pressure (10 kg/m2)

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Observations:

S. No V P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 P9 P9 P10 P11 P12 P13 P0=Pr- P13

 11

S. NO Pi P0 PS CP
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Procedure:
 Switch “ON” the Main which is connected to the 440 V, 32 A, 3 ph, AC power supply with
neutral and earth connection.
 Check all the switches of the controller are in “OFF” position before starting.
 Switch “ON” the MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) of Console Board.
 Put-on the mains and observe the main indicator lights are glowing at the bottom of the control
panel.
 Fix the smooth circular cylinder in the test section, at required orientation.
 Connect the pressure taps of manometer to the respective taps of model.
 Control the main flow of air in the test section by increasing the AC motor speed gradually.
 Set the speed as constant and note the velocity from the RPM [Link] section Velocity
plot.
 Measure and note the readings from the manometer.
 After the experiment switch “OFF” all accessories.
 Find the coefficient of pressure at each point from calculation.
 Plot a graph for Cylinder Surface Pressure vs. Pressure Tapping Points by taking x-axis for
Pressure Tapping Points and y-axis for Cylinder Surface Pressure.

Graph:

Cylinder Surface Pressure vs Cp

Result:
Thus the pressure Coefficient over the smooth circular cylinder has been found and required plot has
been drawn.
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Ex. No. : 05 PRESSURE DISTRIBUTION OVER A ROUGHCIRCULAR CYLINDER

Date :

Aim:
To find the Coefficient of pressure over the surface of smooth circular cylinder to analyze its flow
behavior and flow separation.

Apparatus Required:
 Subsonic Wind Tunnel
 RoughCircular Cylinder with Pressure taps
 Multi tube Manometer setup.

Formulae:

1. CP = = =

Where,

Cp is Co-efficient of pressure
PS is Static Pressure
P0 is Initial Pressure
ρ is Density of air (1.25 Kg/m3)
v is velocity of air

2. Ps = Pi √

Where,

Pi is pressure at various points

3. P0 = Pr – P13

Where Pr is the atmospheric pressure (10 kg/m2)

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Observations:

S. No V P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 P9 P9 P10 P11 P12 P13 P0=Pr- P13

 15

S. NO Pi P0 PS CP
 16

Procedure:
 Switch “ON” the Main which is connected to the 440 V, 32 A, 3 ph, AC power supply with
neutral and earth connection.
 Check all the switches of the controller are in “OFF” position before starting.
 Switch “ON” the MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) of Console Board.
 Put-on the mains and observe the main indicator lights are glowing at the bottom of the control
panel.
 Fix the rough circular cylinder in the test section, at required orientation.
 Connect the pressure taps of manometer to the respective taps of model.
 Control the main flow of air in the test section by increasing the AC motor speed gradually.
 Set the speed as constant and note the velocity from the RPM [Link] section Velocity
plot.
 Measure and note the readings from the manometer.
 After the experiment switch “OFF” all accessories.
 Find the coefficient of pressure at each point from calculation.
 Plot a graph for Cylinder Surface Pressure vs. Pressure Tapping Points by taking x-axis for
Pressure Tapping Points and y-axis for Cylinder Surface Pressure.

Graph:

Cylinder Surface Pressure vs Cp

Result:
Thus the pressure Coefficient over the rough circular cylinder has been found and required plot has
been drawn.
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Ex. No. : 06 Pressure Distribution over a Symmetrical Aerofoil

Date :

Aim:
To find the Coefficient of pressure over Symmetrical Airfoil

Apparatus Required:
 Subsonic Wind Tunnel
 Symmetrical Airfoil model with Pressure taps

Formulae:

CP =
√

Where,
Cp is the co-efficient of pressure
Pi is pressure at various points
PT is total pressure
PS is static pressure

PT-PS) =

Where,
g is gravity (9.81 m/s2)
V is velocity
ρwater is density of water (1000 kg/m3)
3
ρair is density of air (1.25 Kg/m )
 18

Observations:
Velocity, V =

Pressure at various points at different angle of attack

[Link] Location
0° Cp 5° Cp 10° Cp -5° Cp -10° Cp
 19

Procedure:
 Switch “ON” the Main which is connected to the 440 V, 32 A, 3 ph, AC power supply with
neutral and earth connection.
 Check all the switches of the controller are in “OFF” position before starting.
 Switch “ON” the MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) of Console Board.
 Put-on the mains and observe the main indicator lights are glowing at the bottom of the control
panel.
 Fix the symmetrical Airfoil model in the test section, at required orientation.
 Connect the pressure taps of manometer to the respective taps of model.
 Control the main flow of air in the test section by increasing the AC motor speed gradually.
 Set the speed as constant and note the velocity from the RPM vs. Test section Velocity
plot.
 Measure and note the readings from the manometer for different Angle of Attacks.
 After the experiment switch “OFF” all accessories.
 Find the coefficient of pressure at each point from calculation.
 Plot a graph for symmetrical Airfoil Surface Pressure vs. Cp.

Graph:

Surface pressure Vs Cp

Result:
Thus the pressure Coefficient over the Symmetrical Airfoil model has been found and required plot has
been drawn.
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Ex. No. : 07 Pressure Distribution over a Cambered Aerofoil

Date :

Aim:
To find the Coefficient of pressure over Cambered Airfoil

Apparatus Required:
 Subsonic Wind Tunnel
 Cambered Airfoil model with Pressure taps

Formulae:

CP =
√

Where,
Cp is the co-efficient of pressure
Pi is pressure at various points
PT is total pressure
PS is static pressure

PT-PS) =

Where,
g is gravity (9.81 m/s2)
V is velocity
ρwater is density of water (1000 kg/m3)
3
ρair is density of air (1.25 Kg/m )
 21

Observations:
Velocity, V=

Pressure at various points at different angle of attack

[Link] Location
0° Cp 5° Cp 10° Cp -5° Cp -10° Cp
 22

Procedure:
 Switch “ON” the Main which is connected to the 440 V, 32 A, 3 ph, AC power supply with
neutral and earth connection.
 Check all the switches of the controller are in “OFF” position before starting.
 Switch “ON” the MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) of Console Board.
 Put-on the mains and observe the main indicator lights are glowing at the bottom of the control
panel.
 Fix the Cambered Airfoil model in the test section, at required orientation.
 Connect the pressure taps of manometer to the respective taps of model.
 Control the main flow of air in the test section by increasing the AC motor speed gradually.
 Set the speed as constant and note the velocity from the RPM vs. Test section Velocity
plot.
 Measure and note the readings from the manometer for different Angle of Attacks.
 After the experiment switch “OFF” all accessories.
 Find the coefficient of pressure at each point from calculation.
 Plot a graph for Cambered Airfoil Surface Pressure vs. Cp.

Graph:

Surface pressure Vs Cp

Result:
Thus the pressure Coefficient over the Cambered Airfoil model has been found and required plot has been
drawn.
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Ex. No.: 08 Flow over a flat plate at different angle of incidence

Date:

Aim:
To find the Coefficient of forces over the Flat plate

Apparatus Required:
 Subsonic Wind Tunnel
 Flat Thin plate with angle of incidence changing mechanism

Formulae Used:

Theoretical force FT = x AV2 x cosα x 9.81

ρair is density of air = 1.25 kg/m3

A is projected area of Aerofoil = S x C
V - Air at velocity (m/s)
g - Gravity=9.81m/s2

Co-efficient of Lift, CL =

Co-efficient of Drag, CD =

Co-efficient of Side force, CS =

 24

Observations:
S=0.295 m C= 0.08 m

Angle Theoretical
Lift Force Drag Force Side Force
S. No of Velocity Cosα Force CL CD CS
FL FD FS
Attack (m/S) FT
‘α’

5
 25

Procedure:
 Switch “ON” the Main which is connected to the 440 V, 32 A, 3 ph, AC power supply with
neutral and earth connection.
 Check all the switches of the controller are in “OFF” position before starting.
 Switch “ON” the MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) of Console Board.
 Put-on the mains and observe the main indicator lights are glowing at the bottom of the control
panel.
 Fix the flat plate model in the test section, at required orientation.

 Control the main flow of air in the test section by increasing the AC motor speed gradually.
 Set the speed as constant and note the velocity from the RPM vs. Test section Velocity
plot.
 Measure and note the readings from the force indicators for different Angle of Attacks.
 After the experiment switch “OFF” all accessories.
 Find the coefficient of forces for considered Angle of Attack from calculation.
 Plot a graph for Coefficient of forces vs. Angle of Attack by taking x-axis for Angle of Attack and
y-axis for coefficient of forces.

Graph:
4. CL Vs Angle of Attack
5. CD Vs Angle of Attack
6. CS Vs Angle of Attack

Result:
Thus the Coefficient of Forces over the Symmetrical Airfoil model has been found and required plot has
been drawn.
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Ex. No. : 09 Flow visualization in smoke tunnel

Date :

Aim:
To understand the formation of layers over the models due to air flow and to visualize
the flow separation.

Apparatus Required:
 Subsonic Wind Tunnel
 Smoke Generator
 Models ( cylinders, aerofoils, flat plate)
27
 28

Procedure:
 Switch “ON” the Main which is connected to the 440 V, 32 A, 3 ph, AC power
supply with neutral and earth connection.
 Check all the switches of the controller are in “OFF” position before starting.
 Switch “ON” the MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) of Console Board.
 Put-on the mains and observe the main indicator lights are glowing at the bottom of the
control panel.
 Fix the smoke distributor at the starting portion of the test section.
 Fix a model in the test section, at required orientation.
 Switch “ON” the Heater which is connected to the 2 ph, AC power supply.
 Wait 5 minutes, till the heater gains some heat energy.
 Let the blended fuel (25 % of Kerosene and 75 % of Diesel) to flow over the heater by
open the fuel flow control valve slightly.
 Switch “ON” the blower and light in the console board.
 Ensure the out-coming of smoke and connect the hose to the smoke distributor. Now
observe the smoke being forced out of the smoke distributor at the entry of the test
section.
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 Control the main flow of air in the test section by controlling the AC motor speed, so that
the smoke flow pattern to persist across the model. Keep the speed at very low; higher
velocities will defuse the smoke.
 Observe the flow pattern over the model.
 Never switch “ON” the heater for long time with or without the fuel being supplied to the
unit.
 After the experiment, close the fuel flow control valve, switch “OFF” the heater and light,
and run the blower for some time. This is just to exhaust out any smoke left in the smoke
generator unit.
 Then switch “OFF” all accessories

Result:
Thus the formation of layers over the models due to air flow and the flow separation has
been visualized.
 30

Ex. No. : 10 Flow visualization in water flow channel

Date :

Aim

To visualize the flow using water flow channel by using two dimensional object.

Apparatus Required

Water flow channel

Models (cylinders, aerofoils, flat plate)

Procedure

1. Two dimensional models are kept in text section is made visible by placing silver threads the
water channels is well studied for the study the effect of models on the flow pattern.
2. When kept in a stream line flow the following models are used for flow visualization.
(1) Water flow channel and (2) two dimensional surfaces.
3. Laminar flow of water in a channel is in flow condition.
4. For above condition operate the variable drive in clockwise direction.
5. Observe the condition of flow should be dominant.
6. In the middle floe path keep the model (Airfoil, Square, and Triangle) one at a time.
7. The silver threads are called place [called Al, powder] in path of water flow and model the silver
threads travels in directions of flow and passes through the model closely observe the pattern
formed around the model. It can be photographed.
8. The equipment is made of strain less factor tory in which contact portions are made for flow path.
9. The flow path length –„6‟.
10. Width of channel is two sideways „6‟.
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11. Width o channel in center „a‟.

12. Curved blade at entry and the other end is made for smooth flow.
13. The curve blades can be removable type on the other end for different condition.
14. A common shaft is connected by belt to DC digital motor.
15. The RPM of motor can be read in digital meter.
16. Once the experiment is completed drain the water.
17. The water height in channels should not be more than 2 ½ in height from base flow.

RESULT

Thus the flow can be visualized for various models using water flow channel.