Development of an experimental apparatus for flat plate drag measurements and considerations for such measurements

Development of an experimental apparatus for flat plate drag measurements and considerations for such measurements

van Nesselrooij, M. (TU Delft Aerodynamics; Dimple Aerospace B.V.)
van Campenhout, O.W.G. (TU Delft Aerodynamics; Dimple Aerospace B.V.)
van Oudheusden, B.W. (TU Delft Aerodynamics)
Schrijer, F.F.J. (TU Delft Aerodynamics)
Veldhuis, L.L.M. (TU Delft Flow Physics and Technology)

Flow Physics and Technology

2022

Accurately measuring small changes in aerodynamic drag over a flat surface stands at the core of the development of technologies capable of reducing turbulent friction drag. A wind tunnel drag measurement system was developed which improves significantly on the state of the art. Experimental tests demonstrated that an uncertainty of less than 0.5% of C D at a 95% confidence level was typically achieved, already at drag values below 1 N. This was replicated in two different wind tunnels. A match with literature on riblet performance within 1% of C D was obtained. A crucial aspect of the design is the implementation of a correction for the pressure forces on the streamwise-facing surfaces of the test plate assembly. The flexible architecture of the system in the present realisation makes it suitable for most wind tunnels having a test section width of 400 mm or larger, which allows for accelerated development of turbulent drag reduction concepts from moderate-size low-cost facilities towards flow conditions relevant to the intended industrial application.

aerodynamics
force balance measurements
hot-wire anemometry
turbulent drag

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:e973f3e3-f8c0-43ab-b717-c9e1e779d31a

https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6501/ac527f

0957-0233

Measurement Science and Technology, 33 (5)

Institutional Repository

journal article

© 2022 M. van Nesselrooij, O.W.G. van Campenhout, B.W. van Oudheusden, F.F.J. Schrijer, L.L.M. Veldhuis