Date of Award

Spring 2010

Project Type

Thesis

Program or Major

Mechanical Engineering

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

Joseph C Klewicki

Abstract

The Low-Speed Boundary Layer Wind Tunnel at the University of New Hampshire is to be used for fundamental boundary layer research. To that end, a characterization of the Wind Tunnel is necessary.

Before characterization could begin, the Wind Tunnel had to be rebuilt. A test section was shipped from the University of Maryland. The rebuilding process required improving the material quality of this test section, building a new inlet and turbulence management section, and purchasing a diffuser and fan.

The characterization process consisted of a number of tests. These tests focused not only on the boundary layer but also on the freestream flow and pressure gradient. Results included values for the pressure gradient, boundary layer statistics, power spectra, integral parameters, and evaluations of the freestream turbulence, freestream profiles, and long-term velocity profiles.

From these results it is concluded that, despite some irregularities, most results match well with trends and patterns that have been detailed in the literature.

Download

Share

COinS