A review of construction and test operation for full scale low speed wind tunnels overseas

LIU Xiaobo; GUO Chuwei; LI Wenjia; CHEN Lujun; ZHANG Junlong; DUAN Yuting

doi:10.6052/1000-0992-25-025

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Article Navigation > Advances in Mechanics > 2025 > Accepted Manuscript

Liu X B, Guo C W, Li W J, Chen L J, Zhang J L, Duan Y T. A review of construction and test operation for full scale low speed wind tunnels overseas. Advances in Mechanics, in press doi: 10.6052/1000-0992-25-025

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Liu X B, Guo C W, Li W J, Chen L J, Zhang J L, Duan Y T. A review of construction and test operation for full scale low speed wind tunnels overseas. Advances in Mechanics, in press doi: 10.6052/1000-0992-25-025

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A review of construction and test operation for full scale low speed wind tunnels overseas

doi: 10.6052/1000-0992-25-025 cstr: 32046.14.1000-0992-25-025

1.
Computational Aerodynamics Institute , China Aerodynamics Research and Development Center, Mianyang Sichuan 621000, China
2.
Low Speed Aerodynamics Institute , China Aerodynamics Research and Development Center, Mianyang Sichuan 621000, China

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Corresponding author: 283301293@qq.com
Received Date: 2025-09-02
Accepted Date: 2025-10-04

Available Online: 2025-12-06

Abstract

Abstract

The construction background of three full scale low speed wind tunnels in the United States and Russia is briefly introduced. Then, emphasis on tests performed in these wind tunnels are presented, including test operation mode, test model types, test technologies, etc, especially for special test techniques of the full scale wind tunnel. The future development trend of the test techniques is concluded. Research results show that the construction need of full scale wind tunnel is mainly originated from large model aerodynamic test and some related technology development. During model test process, more special attentions are paid to the installation of very large model and the treatment of test failure. The models tested in full scale wind tunnel mainly include airplanes, aerospace vehicles, and energy infrastructures. Additionally, fundamental aerodynamic problem such as rotor flow, acoustic noise can also be resolved in such kind of wind tunnel. As far as the test technique is concerned, conventional measurement method such as force balance, pressure transducer and hot wire anemometer can be used. More importantly, special test techniques developed for full scale model tilting test apparatus, test benches with very large angle of attack, model free flight mechanism, non-intrusive optical measurement and bad weather simulation facility are also been described. The general development trend of test technique is obtained, including going along a direction of providing data with high precision, combining and utilizing various test methods, enabling development with big data in depth, integrating multidiscipline research, developing virtual and augmented reality, etc. Finally, some enlightenments and suggestions are put forward, such as developing test techniques step by step, building professional experimental stand, and highlighting the advantages of large scale and detailed measurements.
- full scale low speed wind tunnel,
- construction background,
- test operation mode,
- test model,
- test technique,
- development trend

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References(72)

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