Wind tunnel design and fabrication for lift force investigation

• Main Author: Lee, Georgia Jacinta
• Other Authors: Chan Weng Kong
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2023
• Subjects: Engineering::Aeronautical engineering
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/168452
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Aerodynamic research is crucial in the design of aircrafts and other vehicles for optimal performance. One of the most prominent methods of research is the use of wind tunnels. The wind tunnels’ ability to replicate an airflow over an object has made it a popular tool used in various industries including aviation and sports science. Furthermore, wind tunnels are also a useful teaching tool that allows for a deeper understanding of aerodynamic concepts. With the aim to contribute to the development of aerodynamic research within NTU, this report will investigate the stall angles of attack of various airfoils using an exisiting wind tunel available in the NTU laboratory while also exploring other aerodynamic concepts. Four different airfoils of different characteristics were fabricated and tested in a wind tunnel, and lift and drag forces acting on each airfoil were recorded. The results of the experiment proved the usefulness of the wind tunnel and its ability to demonstrate various aerodynamic concepts. The stall angles of attack were obtained and analysed. The stall angles obtained ranges from 22 degrees to 28 degrees. There is a difference between obtained results and literature results. This difference was analysed and the leading factor was found to be due to the lack of wall clearance. The aerodynamic efficiencies of each airfoil were also explored. The limitations of the existing wind tunnel were discussed and future areas of exploration, including changing the size of the wind tunnel and increasing the fan speed, were suggested.