Development of an active gust generation mechanismrnon a wind tunnel for wind engineering and industrial aerodynamics applications

Fred L. Haan, Jr. and Partha P. Sarkar and Nicholas J. Spencer-Berger

Abstract

A combination Aerodynamic/Atmospheric Boundary Layer (AABL) Wind and Gust Tunnel with a unique active gust generation capability has been developed for wind engineering and industrial aerodynamics applications. This facility is a cornerstone component of the Wind Simulation and Testing (WiST) Laboratory of the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Iowa State University (ISU). The AABL Wind and Gust tunnel is primarily a closed-circuit tunnel that can be also operated in open-return mode. It is designed to accommodate two test sections (2.44 m ? 1.83 m and 2.44 m ? 2.21 m) with a maximum wind speed capability of 53 m/s. The gust generator is capable of producing non-stationary gust magnitudes around 27% of the mean flow speed. This paper describes the motivation for developing this gust generator and the work related to its design and testing.

Key Words

active gust generation; non-stationary flow; wind tunnel; wind engineering.

Address

Fred L. Haan, Jr. and Partha P. Sarkar; Department of Aerospace Engineering, Iowa State University, 2271 Howe Hall, Rm. 1200, Ames, IA 50011, USArnNicholas J. Spencer-Berger; Dynamic Flight Loads, The Boeing Company, P.O. Box 3707 M/C: 03-KR, Seattle, WA 98124, USA

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