#wind tunnel testing

[fuckyeahfluiddynamics]

Derecho-Induced Skyscraper Damage

Derechos are short-lived, intense wind storms sometimes associated with thunderstorms. Last spring, such a storm passed through Houston, leaving downtown skyscrapers with more damage than a hurricane with comparable wind speeds.  (Image credit: National Weather Service; research credit: O. Metwally et al.; via Ars Technica) Read the full article

[lonestarflight]

"Gemini spacecraft design being tested in the Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel at the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, USA."

Date: November 7, 1962

NASA ID: L-1962-08679

[wheelsgoroundincircles]

First Corvette Design with Wind Tunnel Testing 

If you take a moment to reflect on the prevailing automotive designs of the 1950s and ‘60s, it’s not surprising that most of them never had the benefit of wind tunnel testing to improve their aerodynamics. In fact, despite early attempts like the Chrysler Airflow (1934-37), most automotive designs gave little attention to the amount of drag produced, instead making a car look like an airplane or spaceship often sufficed. But starting in the 1960s, wind tunnel testing, which had been widespread for aeronautics, began to be applied to cars. The new 1963 Corvette was the first Corvette whose design benefitted from wind tunnel testing, in this case performed on a 3/8-scale model at Caltech’s facilities.  

’63 Exclusive Hubcaps 

The ’63 Corvette’s split window isn’t its only visual distinction of note. The 1963 car also had unique and elaborate 17-piece hub caps. They were both flashy and expensive to produce, the latter fact resulting in their cancelation, replaced with simple stamped hub caps for the 1964 model year.  

[fuckyeahfluiddynamics]

Saving Energy By Following a Leader

Scientists have long suspected that birds save energy by following a leader -- think of the V-shaped flight formation used by geese -- but a new study captures that savings directly. (Image credit: R. Gissler and S. Hao; research credit: S. Friman et al.; via Physics World) Read the full article

[fuckyeahfluiddynamics]

Paris 2024: Cycling in Crosswinds

Wind plays a major role in cycling, since aerodynamic drag is the greatest force hampering a cyclist. In road racing, both individual cyclists and teams use tactics that vary based on the wind speed and direction. Crosswinds -- when the apparent wind comes from the side in the cyclist's point of view -- are some of the toughest conditions to deal with.  (Image credit: J. Dylag; research credit: C. Clanet et al.) Catch all of our ongoing Olympics coverage here. Read the full article

[lonestarflight]

During the Boeing 299 (B-17) development, a pusher prop configuration was tested by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA, later became NASA).

It got as far as wind tunnel testing before it was abandoned. Not much is known.

source

[lonestarflight]

"This test conducted in May 1988 shows what happens during launch if a space shuttle main engine fails. The test was conducted in the 10X10 supersonic wind tunnel at the John H. Glenn Research Center."

Date: April 11, 1988

NASA ID: GRC-1988-C-03213, GRC-1988-C-03214

[lonestarflight]

"This test conducted in May 1988 shows what happens during launch if a space shuttle main engine fails. The test was conducted in the 10X10 supersonic wind tunnel at the John H. Glenn Research Center."

Date: April 15, 1988

NASA ID: GRC-1988-C-03840