Experimental Aerodynamics Projects

Instrumentation Development

Design and Construction of Closed–Circuit Wind Tunnel
Design, fabrication, and implementation of a closed return subsonic wind tunnel for use in special studies. The new wind tunnel will be used for the development and application of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) and flow visualization studies to bridge aerodynamics and other bluff body aerodynamics studies. In addition, it will be used for demonstrations of wind problems and solutions. Recently completed project.

Bluff Body Aerodynamics

Tapered Cylinder Aerodynamics Research
Experimental parametric study of tapered cylinders of varying cross sectional shape, in incompressible laminar flow. Study of aerodynamic forces and moments and their frequency response. Determination of optimum shapes and dynamic response to wind excitation. Ongoing project.

Aerodynamic Investigation of Generic Bridge Section Shapes
Aerodynamic investigation of representative generic bridge section shapes. The spectrum of shapes studied covers a large number of the geometrical layouts in service today. The purpose of the study is to determine the static and dynamic aerodynamic characteristics of these basic shapes in order to support design and development process by introducing aerodynamic information early in the design process. Ongoing project.

Aerodynamic Investigation of Modeled Bridge Sections
The purpose of the study is to determine the static and dynamic aerodynamic characteristics of these modeled bridge shapes. Models were designed and constructed with great geometrical fidelity with the intention of modeling the flow interaction in the most accurate way possible. Three models are currently under study. Ongoing project.

Application of PIV to Bridge Deck Aerodynamics
Application of particle image velocimetry to the study of flow around bridge deck models and other types of bluff bodies. P.I.V. flow analysis yields detailed flow information including velocity and pressure distributions, vorticity fields and calculated body forces. Several experiments have been designed. These include various generic bridge model shapes to be studied at low Reynolds numbers and varying angles of attack. Recently completed project.

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