Wind tunnel to do smoke testing of my Formula Vee racing car

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design of a wind tunnel specifically for smoke testing a Formula Vee racing car. Participants explore the necessary dimensions for the inlet cone based on the test section size and the desired wind velocity.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about how to determine the size of the inlet cone for a wind tunnel with specific dimensions.
  • Another participant shares their experience building a smaller wind tunnel and expresses the intention to scale it up for smoke testing.
  • A participant mentions a target wind velocity of 15 to 20 m/s and questions the importance of the contraction cone for smoke testing, indicating that they do not require factors like drag coefficient.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the specifics of the inlet cone design or its necessity for the intended smoke testing application. Multiple viewpoints regarding the importance of the contraction cone remain present.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions about wind tunnel design principles and the specific requirements for smoke testing that have not been fully explored or clarified.

Jam 1959
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Hello.I need help with wind tunnel.The test section is 2m x 2.5 m x 5 m long.How do I work out size of inlet cone.Thanks in advance
 
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Jam 1959 said:
Hello.I need help with wind tunnel.The test section is 2m x 2.5 m x 5 m long.How do I work out size of inlet cone.Thanks in advance

Welcome to the PF.

What is the context of your question? What is the wind tunnel for? What do you know so far about wind tunnel design? Is this for a school project?
 
I know a fair amount.I have built the wind tunnel found on Science Buddies Web site.Now I want to scale that up to do smoke testing of my Formula Vee racing car.From the test section size should be able to work out contraction cone size needed.
 
I am 56 yrs old so not for any school project for my personal use
 
Jam 1959 said:
I know a fair amount.I have built the wind tunnel found on Science Buddies Web site.Now I want to scale that up to do smoke testing of my Formula Vee racing car.From the test section size should be able to work out contraction cone size needed.

What wind velocity do you want to support? Can you show us what work you've done so far? :smile:
 
I worked out 15 to 20 m/s.As said have test section area plotted out.How important is contraction cone for only smoke testing.Do not need cd factor and drag etc.
 

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