Prepping for the Wind Tunnel
Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 02:07PMOver the last few months, Edsion2 has released photos of the different models we have made to explore design ideas. Behind their visual differences, our models have one important thing in common: they’re all made to the same 25% scale.
The bigger you make a model, the better the results you get from the wind tunnel, up to a point. Wind tunnels have walls and the proximity of those walls to a model becomes significant to your readings if you put in a model that’s too big. For our model work, we’ll be using Virginia Tech’s 6ft x 6ft tunnel and we’ve chosen 25% scale models to keep the blockage ratio at about 3%.
Virginia Tech’s tunnel has a 600 horsepower fan (photo below) that can blow the test section at up to 180mph. At that speed, mounting even a 25% model needs to be taken seriously so last week a delegation from Edison2 visited the tunnel to agree on a plan of action with the tunnel’s personnel.
We have the tunnel booked beginning May 16th and a very thorough series of tests planned. It’s going to be a busy time between now and then in the experimental shop getting our model installation ready to go.
Reader Comments (3)
With gas prices climbing this project certainly has my attention! Have you considered making kits available? There are plenty of hot rod car kits being sold, and all kinds of airplanes kits are available.
This car seems like a natural for a home builder.
You mentioned on Facebook about showing different versions of the VLC to gauge reactions. I would purchase one tomorrow from what I've seen of the latest model. What is most important to me is a light weight & long term durable vehicle (would pay extra for something that doesn't have any exposed steel to rust). Open to an efficient IC engine or battery with generator so could travel 300-400 miles. Would also like the rear seats to fold flat so that there was a level surface to carry things.
nice glass
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