The concentrator is a specially designed section of the wind tunnel that narrows down or ‘concentrates’ the airflow as it moves towards the test section. This narrowing effect is achieved through a smoothly contoured shape that gradually decreases in cross-sectional area from the entrance to the exit of the concentrator. The primary function of this component is to increase the velocity of the air while ensuring that the flow remains uniform and laminar (smooth) as it enters the test chamber where experiments are conducted.
Constructing the Concentrator Corners
The process of constructing the concentrator began with meticulous preparation and cutting of map board to form the four corners of the concentrator. A template was carefully designed to ensure that the contour of each piece followed a smooth polynomial line, crucial for achieving the desired airflow characteristics. This step required precision, as the smoothness of these curves directly affects the efficiency and effectiveness of the concentrator in guiding the air towards the test section. The use of a template ensured consistency and accuracy, laying a solid foundation for the concentrator’s performance.
Attaching to the Frame
Once each corner piece was cut to specification, the next step involved attaching them to a sturdy plywood frame. This was achieved using push pins, a simple yet effective method for temporary attachment, allowing for adjustments as needed. The push pins provided enough rigidity to hold the map board in place while also offering the flexibility to reposition each piece for optimal alignment. This stage was critical for ensuring that the structure of the concentrator began to take shape, with each corner precisely positioned to form the narrowing passage that characterizes this component.
Covering with Poster Board
The final step in creating the concentrator involved folding the map board corners and using tape to connect them, transforming the separate pieces into a cohesive unit. This folding technique was essential for shaping the concentrator, ensuring that the air passing through it would be smoothly funneled towards the test section. The tape not only held the pieces together but also maintained the integrity of the smooth contours, critical for the concentrator’s functionality.
The next image captures a pivotal moment in the construction process: mounting the newly built concentrator and carefully connecting it to the test chamber. This step was crucial, as it required precision to ensure that the concentrator seamlessly integrated with the test chamber, maintaining an uninterrupted flow of air. The image likely shows the careful alignment and the securing of the concentrator, highlighting the importance of airtight connections to prevent any leakage or disturbance in the airflow. This stage underscores the transition from individual components to a functional assembly, where each piece plays a critical role in the wind tunnel’s overall performance.
A non-traditional approach to creating laminar flow within the wind tunnel was captured in the subsequent image, showcasing the construction of the intake filter. By cutting thousands of straws and stacking them together, a highly effective mesh was created. The straws act as tiny ducts, straightening and smoothing the air as it passes through, which is essential for accurate aerodynamic testing. This image likely conveys the meticulous effort and patience required to assemble this filter, piece by piece, to achieve the desired airflow quality.
The final image in this series provides a closer look at the completed mesh intake filter, showcasing the colorful straws of irregular sizes. Despite the variation in size, the straws collectively serve their purpose, highlighting the principle that perfection in dimensions is not always necessary to achieve functional results. The use of wire mesh to secure the straws adds a layer of durability and maintains the integrity of the filter.
Check out the other Wind Tunnel posts:
- Part 1: building the test chamber
- Part 2: the diffuser including the fan
- Part 3: the concentrator
- Part 4: the measurement station
- Part 5: the Arduino hardware and software
