How can i calculate the velocity in a wind tunnel

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the velocity in a wind tunnel based on various pressure readings and experimental conditions. Participants explore methods for determining velocity from recorded data, including temperature and pressure measurements, in the context of wind tunnel experiments for wing design.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their wind tunnel experiments, noting the power setting and incidence angles, and seeks guidance on calculating velocity from their recordings.
  • Another participant expresses unfamiliarity with the term "Betz pressure reading" and inquires about the use of a Pitot probe.
  • A clarification is provided that "Betz pressure readings" refer to manometer pressure readings, which are suggested to serve a similar purpose as a Pitot tube.
  • A suggestion is made that two pressure readings can be used to derive a velocity difference, contingent on knowing the contraction ratio of the wind tunnel.
  • A later reply acknowledges the suggestion and expresses gratitude for the assistance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not appear to reach a consensus on the terminology used (e.g., Betz pressure vs. Pitot probe) and the methods for calculating velocity, indicating that multiple viewpoints remain in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the relationship between pressure readings and velocity, as well as the dependency on the contraction ratio, which remains unspecified. There is also a lack of clarity on the specific methodology for calculating velocity from the provided data.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals involved in wind tunnel experiments, aerodynamics research, or those studying fluid dynamics may find this discussion relevant.

MattH150197
Messages
60
Reaction score
3
Ive done some wind tunnel experiments for a wing design i made, the wind tunnel was set to 50% power and the incidence angle was increased from -2 to 14 at 2 deg increments, how do i calculate the velocity for each recording? I've done this before but I am just having a mental block on remembering how to calculate the velocity as i haven't done any wind tunnel experiments in a couple of years. The recordings i took were: wind tunnel temp at the time of each recording, the Betz pressure reading of the wind tunnel for each recording and the atmospheric pressure of the lab room.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
I operate wind tunnel for a living and I don't know what a Betz pressure reading is.

Did you not employ a Pitot probe of any kind?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman
boneh3ad said:
I operate wind tunnel for a living and I don't know what a Betz pressure reading is.

Did you not employ a Pitot probe of any kind?
Sorry should have given the full name, betz manometer pressure readings, I think they it does a similar job as a pitot tube but is just cheaper for installation.
 
This is a diagram showing the location of the pressure readings.
 

Attachments

  • Betz Pressure Tapping.jpg
    Betz Pressure Tapping.jpg
    3.6 KB · Views: 789
Two pressures will give you a velocity difference. Use continuity to relate the two velocities assuming you know the contraction ratio.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: MattH150197
Ah yeah of course, thank you very much!
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: berkeman

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
20
Views
3K
Replies
0
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
5K
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
7K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
11K