MAE 253: Experimental Aerodynamics I
MAE 253 is the introductory course to experimental aerodynamics, taught to sophomores in the low-speed wind tunnel. Topics covered instrumentation, data acquisition techniques, data processing, and technical report preparation. Experiments involve pressure and force/moment measurements of various aerospace vehicle components with supplemental flow visualization. Students learn to use instruments like a pitot tube, turbulence sphere, airfoils with pressure ports, six-axis load cells, and a wake rake.
Experiments
- Pressure Transducer Calibration: Obtaining the calibration curve for an Ashcroft® differential pressure sensor using a water manometer and a pitot tube.
( Handout | Powerpoint ) - Wind Tunnel Turbulence Characteristics: The turbulence characteristics of the wind tunnel are found using a turbulence sphere.
( Handout | Powerpoint ) - Airfoil Aerodynamics: Finding the lift acting on an airfoil at different angles of attack using static pressure ports on the airfoil surface. Finding drag experienced by an airfoil using a wake rake to survey the dynamic pressure deficit behind the airfoil. Using the xfoil code to obtain low-order computational predictions for experimental results
( Handout 1 2 3 | Powerpoint 1 2 3 ) - Wing Aerodynamics: Calculating the forces and moments acting on finite wings of different planform shapes at different angles of attack using a six-axis load cell.
( Handout )
