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Kanwar HamzaIntroduction
This lab is focuses to explore the fundamental principles of aerodynamics by
studying the pressure distribution and airflow behavior around an airfoil.
Using a wind tunnel and pressure measurement apparatus, the experiment
provides hands-on experience in measuring static and dynamic pressures,
calculating free-stream velocity, and determining the center of pressure. By
analyzing the relationship between pressure distribution and aerodynamic
performance, the lab aims to enhance understanding of how airfoils generate
lift and respond to varying flow conditions, bridging theoretical knowledge
with practical application.
Setup Used
The Flotek setup is a wind tunnel apparatus used to study fluid dynamics and
aerodynamics. It features a test section for models like airfoils and a pressure
measurement system to record pressure distribution. By analyzing water
column heights or sensor data, it enables calculations of velocity, static
pressure, and other aerodynamic properties, making it ideal for research and
education.
Objectives
Here are the general objectives of this lab:
1. To understand the basic principles of aerodynamics, including pressure
distribution and airflow behavior around an airfoil.
2. To measure static and dynamic pressures using a wind tunnel setup and
analyze their variations as angle of attach vary along the airfoil surface for
next objective.
3. To calculate the free-stream velocity and other aerodynamic parameters
from experimental data.
4. To determine the center of pressure and its dependence on the airfoil's
geometry and angle of attack.
5. To develop skills in data analysis and graphing, linking experimental
results to aerodynamic theory.
Theory
Static Pressure:
Static Pressure is the pressure exerted by a fluid at rest or parallel to a
surface, representing its potential energy. It is measured perpendicularly to
the flow to avoid velocity effects. In a wind tunnel, it decreases with
increasing velocity, reflecting energy changes.
Dynamic Pressure:
Dynamic Pressure is the pressure due to fluid motion and is defined as the
kinetic energy per unit volume of a fluid, particularly in a moving flow of gas.
It is a significant term in fluid dynamics and appears in Bernoulli’s equation.
Mathematically, it can be expressed as, where ρρ is the fluid density
and vv is the flow velocity.
Center of pressure:
In aerodynamics, Cp refers to the Coefficient of Pressure, a dimensionless
quantity that describes the pressure distribution over the surface of a body in
a fluid flow. The variance of describes the statistical distribution or
fluctuation of pressure coefficients over a surface. It is used to analyze
unsteady or turbulent flows.
Procedure
Position the airfoil at 4° angle of attack in the test section of the wind tunnel.
Ensure that all tubes connected to the system are properly set up, with one
tube measuring static pressure and others connected to the water columns.
Turn on the machine to initiate airflow in the test section.
Initial height of the tubes is 12.7 The airflow will cause the water levels in the
connected tubes to change according to the pressures at different points
along the airfoil surface.
After getting final height h’ find the difference which is caused by fluid.
Use the formula (where is pressure, is the density of water, is gravitational
acceleration, and is the height difference) to calculate the pressure at each
measurement point.
Firstly same do step to calculate the static pressure from corresponding tube
and use it to calculate free stream velocity whose pressure tube is 10 th
specified.
Calculate the static pressure at each location on the airfoil using the
formula , with being the height difference between the water columns which
is p’g∆h.
After that calculate the velocity using formula,……………
Use the formula ……… to calculate the center of pressure for the airfoil at
different locations.
Plot the center of pressure on the y-axis against the location of the
measurement points on the x-axis, where is the location of the
measurement point and is the chord length of the airfoil.
Where x/c for each pour will be given by instructor.
Interpret the graphs to understand the aerodynamic behavior of the airfoil,
such as how the center of pressure shifts with changes in location and airfoil
characteristics.
Summarize the findings of the experiment, discussing the pressure
distribution and its effect on the airfoil's aerodynamic performance.
