16

holds the flow section and test section. The main frame is fitted with swivel casters for transportation. The pump frame supports the pump to isolate the test section from pump vibrations. Each frame leg is fitted with an adjustable leveling pad. The pump frame is carried on an extension of the main frame. The frames are etched, prime coated and spray finished with acrylic enamel.

                  Six-inch High-Speed, Open-Circuit Wind Tunnel

    The wind tunnel system is an open-circuit blower-type system. Air is sucked normal to the flow direction into the inlet by the fan as shown in Figure 2-4. The system consists of flow sections and straighteners, test section, primary diffuser and a liquid-gas separator unit. The unit is 27.2 ft. long by 6.29 ft. high by 3.45 ft. wide. The total weight of the unit is approximately 1250 lbs.

                                                      LOW STRAIGHTENER


                                                                      ir intake




                         CONTRACTION 9:1           IDE ANGLE   F N
                                                 DIFFUSER







    Figure 2-4 First part - blower housing, wide-angle diffuser, flow straighteners and contraction section.

    The overall construction and different components used in the wind tunnel are described below.