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Thread: need wind tunnel plans

  1. #1
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    need wind tunnel plans

    I want to build a wind tunnel about 4'x4'x20'...any suggestions or plans?

  2. #2
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    Quote Originally Posted by dan winter View Post
    I want to build a wind tunnel about 4'x4'x20'...any suggestions or plans?
    When we get ours unpacked (probably in a couple of weeks) I can do some photographs of our wind tunnel. It's not that large (ours is about 18" in diameter for the tunnel, itself, and about 3 feet long)., but might give you some ideas. Would that help at all?
    -------------------------
    Wayne Day N5WD NAR/TRA L2
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  3. #3
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    How fast do you need it to go, and what are you using it for?
    NAR #84281 L3
    TRA #11233 L3

  4. #4
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    Download the Classic Collection from the Estes Educators section:

    http://www.estesrockets.com/images/u...tion_TR-TN.pdf

    TR5 in this package tells how to build a wind tunnel.
    Greg Poehlein

    Member of Launch Crue - http://launchcrue.org/

    Hint #1: Do not use magician's flash paper for recovery wadding!

    Hint #2: Clean your shoes after flyin' in that cow pasture - that ain't no dirt clod on the sole!

  5. #5
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    using it for model rockets...35 to 50 mph?

    Quote Originally Posted by cjl View Post
    How fast do you need it to go, and what are you using it for?
    Using it for birds too big for the string swing, 35-50mph. I've been getting funny looks from people as my wife drives and I'm hanging out the other window with a rocket on a rope in the wind... Hey, is there some type of pivot and sensors, software for a wind tunnel?
    Last edited by stardust; 15th August 2010 at 11:21 AM.

  6. #6
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    Thanks!

    Quote Originally Posted by n5wd View Post
    When we get ours unpacked (probably in a couple of weeks) I can do some photographs of our wind tunnel. It's not that large (ours is about 18" in diameter for the tunnel, itself, and about 3 feet long)., but might give you some ideas. Would that help at all?
    Thanks!

  7. #7
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    Great! i'll check it out

    Quote Originally Posted by KPM61 View Post
    Apogee has a video on building a windtunnel. Smaller but you mak get some ideas.
    thanks!

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by dan winter View Post
    I want to build a wind tunnel about 4'x4'x20'...any suggestions or plans?
    20ft long? That is a big wind tunnel to have at home.

    Also, before you start building, check the power requirements. Something tells me you will need one big motor to supply the wind for something this size. Not to mention a big (or multiple small ) propellers.
    Angelo Castellano
    Sunward Aerospace Group Limited
    www.sunward1.com
    www.sunwardhobbies.ca
    info@sunward1.com
    CAR-ACF S573 L2 TRA 11312 L1 NAR 87131
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  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by dan winter View Post
    I want to build a wind tunnel about 4'x4'x20'...any suggestions or plans?
    What characteristic are your trying to measure? What speed do you want to do the measurement at?

    For larger rockets, if it's a standard-looking design, you can estimate drag and stability using simulation software. If it's a non-standard design, make a smaller scale model to swing test and/or test fly.

    It's expensive and impractical to build an effective large windtunnel for personal use.

    -John

  10. #10
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    Thanks

    Quote Originally Posted by jsdemar View Post
    What characteristic are your trying to measure? What speed do you want to do the measurement at?

    For larger rockets, if it's a standard-looking design, you can estimate drag and stability using simulation software. If it's a non-standard design, make a smaller scale model to swing test and/or test fly.

    It's expensive and impractical to build an effective large windtunnel for personal use.

    -John
    Thank you

  11. #11
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    Got a 4.5hp motor, just need a blower,baffles ,framework/sheathing.

    Quote Originally Posted by sunward View Post
    20ft long? That is a big wind tunnel to have at home.

    Also, before you start building, check the power requirements. Something tells me you will need one big motor to supply the wind for something this size. Not to mention a big (or multiple small ) propellers.
    And a trailer to be able to take it around to other rocketeers places...

  12. #12
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    If all you're using it for is CP, then I'd go with a combination of simulation software and small-scale models instead. I've never had an unstable rocket, and the few I was unsure about I built in small-scale (BT55 or so) first, so I could test and see if it would work before building a large one.
    NAR #84281 L3
    TRA #11233 L3

  13. #13
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    Thanks for all your suggestions.

    I will try these good ideas! Thanks

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