Help with a project - Air speed, compressed?

AI Thread Summary
In a wind tunnel setup with a larger opening leading to a smaller one, the wind speed at the smaller end can increase due to the area ratio, but at low speeds (like 20 mph), compression effects are negligible. To estimate the wind speed increase, one can use the area ratio of the openings, applying the equation of continuity, V1A1 = V2A2, which assumes constant density. Compression becomes significant at higher speeds, around 220 mph, potentially affecting the output speed. For practical applications, enclosing the airflow, such as with a fan, is necessary to achieve higher output speeds. Understanding these principles can help in calculating airflow dynamics effectively.
bpears
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1.If you have a wind tunnel, a tubing that goes from a large opening, to a smaller opening, with the larger opening facing the wind, will the wind speed be more out the smaller end since its being compressed?

2.Is there a way to calculate/guesstimate the difference in wind speed by the volume or something (you know, a way without a anemometer or something?)

For the sake of explanation: let's say the large opening is 3 times larger than the smaller opposite end. And that the wind speed is 20mph. (Or what ever you prefer for a good example.)
 
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Or would that not make compression?
 
Welcome to PF!

At that low speed, there will be no compression. You can simply ratio the areas of the openings.
 
So if it were 30mph in, and the ratio was 1:10, then it would be 300mph out?

What speed into tube, would cause compression, and then would the compression make the output speed more than the size in/out ratio?
 
At about 220mph input or output, compression starts to be an issue.
 
Well, I actually want compression if it will increase the wind speed out the other end. So would that change the equation with compression? And did I give a correct example of the ratio you describe?

Thanks for your help, I've been looking all over online for something about this, but couldn't find anything.
 
Ok, so I see what you're saying kind of now. I found the equation of continuity.
But are you supposed to square the ratio before multiplying to the input speed?

Here's the equation I have:
V1A1=V2A2.

But I think that is for no change in density? Is change in density meaning compression?

For density, I found this:
p1V1A1=p2V2A2.

I'm having trouble understanding how to use the equations to solve for the other velocity, if someone could work out an example? Or would I just multiply by the ratio like Russ was saying (output size ratio 1:10, 30mph in=300mph out?)?
 
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Your example is using a tube open at both ends, so the air in the larger tube is nearly stopped (not flowing at 30 mph), due to the restriction at the transition into the smaller tube.
 
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How could I have a higher output speed?
 
  • #10
bpears said:
How could I have a higher output speed?
You would need to enclose the air flow from the fan, such as a blow dryer or a leaf blower.
 

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