PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS

INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Finals Learning Module 01: Low-Speed Subsonic Wind Tunnel

FINALS
LEARNING
MODULE 01:
Low-Speed
Subsonic Wind
Tunnel
FUNDAMENTALS
OF
AERODYNAMICS

Prepared by:
ENGR. JOSE JOEL F. SALAUM

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Finals Learning Module 01: Low-Speed Subsonic Wind Tunnel

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Time
Ref.
Title Page Allotment
no (minutes)
Low-Speed Subsonic Wind Tunnels 2 4 70.8
Quasi-one-dimensional Continuity Equation 2 5 60
Quasi-one-dimensional Continuity Equation for
1&2 5 60
Incompressible flow
Flow through a Venturi/Wind Tunnel 1 5 60
Pressure Difference Measurement 1&2 6 45
Learning Module Assessment 7 75

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Finals Learning Module 01: Low-Speed Subsonic Wind Tunnel

TABLE OF REFERENCES
References No.
th
Anderson J. (2011). Fundamentals of Aerodynamics (5 ed.)
1
629.132 An2f2011
Anderson J. (2008). Introduction to Flight (6th ed.)
2
629.1 An2i 2008

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Finals Learning Module 01: Low-Speed Subsonic Wind Tunnel

This module discusses Low-Speed Subsonic Wind tunnels, its concepts, principles,
and how it plays a vital role in aerodynamics as tool for experimentation and a
platform to make standardized variables for references in future computations. This
module will also give the students an insight on how an aircraft is basically designed
and modelled.
LEARNING OUTCOMES

Course Learning Outcomes [CLO]

CLO 2. Develop a fundamental
knowledge of the principles of
Aerodynamics as they relate to forces
of flight.
CLO 3. Understand the Fundamentals
of Aerodynamics through concept
discussions, problem solving, and
computations.
CLO 4. Develop an intuitive
understanding of Aerodynamics by
emphasizing the physics and physical
arguments.
CLO 5. Comprehend the processes and
procedures of computing the pressure,
density, temperature, and velocity in
various phenomena of airflow.
Module Learning Outcomes [MLO]
MLO 1. Analyze, solve and interpret the
principles and concepts of Low-Speed
Subsonic Wind Tunnels
MLO 2. Comprehend on the operation/s
of a low-speed wind tunnel
MLO 3. Identify simplifying assumptions
for low-speed wind tunnels
MLO 4. Develop simplifying
assumptions applicable to low-speed
wind tunnels
Topic Learning Outcomes [TLO]
TLO 1. Appreciate the importance of
wind tunnels in aerodynamics
TLO 2. Comprehend on the
fundamental elements of Low-Speed
Subsonic Wind Tunnels
TLO 3. Apply learned aerodynamic
principle, formulas, and equations to
problems with low-speed wind tunnels

LOW-SPEED SUBSONIC WINDTUNNELS

DISCUSSION

A simple diagram of a subsonic wind tunnel

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Finals Learning Module 01: Low-Speed Subsonic Wind Tunnel

Wind tunnels are ground-based experimental facilities designed to produce

flows of air (or sometimes other gases) which simulate natural flows occurring
outside the laboratory. For most aerospace and aeronautical engineering
applications, wind tunnels are designed to simulate flows encountered in the flight of
airplanes, missiles, or space vehicles.
The essence of low-speed subsonic wind tunnel is pictured in the figure
above. The airflow with pressure p1 enters the nozzle at a low velocity V1, where the
area is A1. The nozzle converges to a smaller area A2 at the test section. Since we
are dealing with low-speed flows, where M is generally less than 0.3, the flow will be
assumed to be incompressible. Hence, the isentropic flow equation dictates that the
flow velocity increases as the air flows through the convergent nozzle. The velocity in
the test section is then,
A1
V 2= V
A2 1

QUASI-ONE-DIMENSIONAL CONTINUITY EQUATION

Applies to both compressible and incompressible flow.
ρ1 A 1 V 1 =ρ 2 A 2 V 2

QUASI-ONE-DIMENSIONAL CONTINUITY EQUATION FOR INCOMPRESSIBLE

FLOW, WHERE ρ = C
A 1 V 1= A2 V 2

FLOW THROUGH A VENTURI/WIND TUNNEL

2 ( P1−P 2) 2 ( P1 −P 2)

A1
V 1=

√ [( ) ] √ [ ( ) ]
ρ
A2 2
A1
−1
V 2=

= contraction ratio or area ratio

ρ 1−
A2
A1
2

A2

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Finals Learning Module 01: Low-Speed Subsonic Wind Tunnel

Mass flow rate, Q:

π d 22 2 ( P2 −P1 )
Q=
4
√ [ ( )]
d
ρ 1− 2
d1
4

PRESSURE DIFFERENCE MEASUREMENT

P1−P2=w ∆ h

where: w = specific weight of the fluid

= fluid density x acceleration due to gravity (ρ.g)
ρ = density of the fluid
g = gravitational acceleration
∆h = height difference of the fluid in a manometer

Example # 1.
In a low-speed subsonic wind tunnel, the conditions at the reservoir are p 1 = 1.1 atm
and T1 = 300 K. The area ratio is 1/15. When the tunnel is running the height
difference between the two columns of mercury is 10 cm. The density of liquid
mercury is 1.36 x 104 kg/m3. Determine the airflow velocity in the test section.

Given: p1 = 1.1 atm T1 = 300 K A2/A1 = 1/15 ∆ h = 10 cm

ρHg = 1.36 x 104 kg/m3
Required: V2
Solution:

w=ρ Hg g=1.36 x 10 4 ( 9.8 )=1.33 x 105 N /m 3

P1−P2=w ∆ h=(1.33 x 10 5 N /m 3 )(0.1 m)=1.33 x 10 4 N /m2

P1 1.1 ( 101325 ) 3
ρ 1= = =1.29 kg /m
R T1 287 (300 )

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Finals Learning Module 01: Low-Speed Subsonic Wind Tunnel

2 ( P1 −P 2) 2 ( 1.33 x 10 4 )
V 2=

√ [ ( )] √
A
ρ 1− 2
A1
2
=
1.29 1−
1
[ ( )]
15
2
=144 m/s

Example # 2.
Consider a low-speed subsonic wind tunnel with a 12/1 contraction ratio for the
nozzle. If the flow in the test section is at standard sea level conditions with a velocity
of 50 m/s, calculate the height difference in a U-tube mercury manometer with one
side connected to the nozzle inlet and the other to the test section.
Given:
A2 1
=
A 1 12

ρ=1.2256 kg/m3
m
V 2=50
s

Solution:
From the formula

2 ( P1 −P 2)
V 2=

√ [ ( )]
A
ρ 1− 1
A2
2

2
A
1 2
[ ( )]
( P1−P2 ) = 2 ρV 1− A 2
1

2 2
1 kg m 1
2 (
( P1−P2 ) = 1.2256 3 50
m )( s ) [ ( ) ]1−
12

( P1−P2 ) =1527 Pa.

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Finals Learning Module 01: Low-Speed Subsonic Wind Tunnel

However, The density of liquid mercury is 1.36 × 104 kg/m3. Hence

w=ρ Hg g=1.36 x 10 4 ( 9.8 )=1.33 x 105 N /m 3
P1−P2=w ∆ h

∆ h=(P ¿ ¿1−P2)/ w ¿

1527 Pa
∆ h= = 0.01148 m = 1.148cm =11.48 mm
1.33 x 105 N /m3

LEARNING MODULE ASSESSMENT

Analyze and solve the following problems based on the topics discussed. You may
write your answers on a sheet of paper and have it photographed or you may have it
encoded. Submit within the given timeframe and to the online platform where this will
be evaluated. Failure to do so will induce a grade with deduction proportional to the
tardiness of submission.
1. A low-speed subsonic wind tunnel has a nozzle contraction ratio of 20.
The pressure at the test section is 1 atm and the temperature is 300 K,
what is the height difference between the two columns of mercury in the
manometer? The airspeed in the test section is 80 m/s. ρHg = 13, 593
kg/m3

HONESTY CLAUSE
I am expected to display the highest degree of honesty and professionalism in
my class work, requirements and activities and I understand that if plagiarism is
found in my paper, my instructor will follow the procedures on academic dishonesty
set forth by Philippine State College of Aeronautics.

______________
Name & Signature

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PHILIPPINE STATE COLLEGE OF AERONAUTICS
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Finals Learning Module 01: Low-Speed Subsonic Wind Tunnel

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