SOME PRINCIPLES OF AUTOMOTIVE AERODYNAMIC TESTING IN WIND TUNNELS WITH EXAMPLES FROM SLOTTED WALL TEST SECTION FACILITIES

The various factors related to obtaining high quality data from automotive aerodynamic wind tunnel tests are outlined. These factors can be subdivided into the test section flow quality, testing procedures, and the influence of the test section boundaries. Methods of achieving and measuring the test section flow quality necessary for typical road vehicles are discussed. The benefits of using a slotted wall test section configuration to reduce blockage interference effects are illustrated. Examples are drawn from measurements of flow quality and from force/moment comparison model tests in 1/4 and 1/5 scale pilot slotted wall wind tunnels. Finally, standards of flow quality and standardized testing procedures are proposed for automotive testing to allow proper comparison of test data obtained in different wind tunnels.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/01487191
• Supplemental Notes:
  • International Congress and Exposition, Detroit, Michigan, February 25-March 1, 1985.
• Corporate Authors:

  Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

  400 Commonwealth Drive
  Warrendale, PA  United States  15096
• Authors:
  • Waudby-Smith, P M
  • Rainbird, W J
• Publication Date: 1985

Media Info

• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: 16 p.
• Serial:
  • SAE Technical Paper
  • Publisher: Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
  • ISSN: 0148-7191
  • EISSN: 2688-3627
  • Serial URL: http://papers.sae.org/

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aerodynamics; Air; Automobiles; Flow; Measurement; Scale models; Standardization; Test facilities; Vehicle tests; Wind tunnels
• Uncontrolled Terms: Air flow
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00450786
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: SAE 850284, HS-038 954
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Dec 31 1985 12:00AM