Design of Miniature Wind Tunnel for Measuring Pitching Moment on an Airfoil II

Wind tunnels have been essential tools for aerodynamic testing since the 20th century, as engineers and researchers use them to observe air behavior with varying shapes in laboratory environments. These wind tunnels are often used for large-scale testing, which makes them very expensive to produce and maintain, making them inaccessible to many educational settings, especially high schools and low funded institutions. With advances in manufacturing and technology, small wind tunnels can be developed to produce data of similar quality to large-scale models at a fraction of the price. Our project utilizes 3D printing to design and manufacture a compact subsonic wind tunnel capable of measuring the aerodynamic pitching moment about the quarter-chord of a 2D airfoil. The system integrates airflow visualization through a transparent test section and smoke injection system, while incorporating sensors to measure velocity, angle of attack, and aerodynamic moment. All of these parameters is measured and controlled electronically via LABVIEW, allowing for automation and ease of use. The goal of this project is to create a fully functional, modular wind tunnel system that provides a cost-effective platform for experimental aerodynamics, while allowing students to better understand aerodynamic principles through direct experimentation.