Experiment#13

Air Flow Visualization in Wind Tunnel Using Smoke Generator

Objective: To Visualize the Air Flow in wind tunnel using Smoke Generator
Apparatus: Wind Tunnel, Smoke generator
Description:
Flow visualization is the study of methods to display dynamic behavior in liquids and gases.
Recent developments indicate that smoke visualization in wind tunnels, one of the oldest flow
visualization techniques, will continue as an important experimental tool in the study of complex
flow dynamic phenomena. Improvements in generation and injection of smoke as well as in lighting
(laser as a light source), in techniques of acquisition and computation have continued to increase the
scientific value of this. The smoke is very useful in a wind tunnel with low turbulence. There exists
no upper limit of speed for smoke line visualization (it was possible to extend the range of smoke
line visualization even to supersonic flow velocities).
The smoke generator is used to visualize the airflow. A mist resulting from the vaporization of certain
substances containing bromide or chloride. The burning or vaporization is done in a smoke generator.
Smoke line is generated in a wind tunnel by introducing smoke (produced by smoke generator)
through small pipes placed in front of a test model, or through holes on the model surface. The
smoke must be dense and white for visibility, non toxic and non corrosive. The quality of the
observed or photographed smoke line depends also on the choice of the illumination system.
Using a custom-made smoke generator and probe, a stream of white smoke can be inserted anywhere
in the test section by positioning the probe using the traverse rig or by hand.
Advantage: Easy setup and quick repositioning of the probe allows for viewing flow patterns around
any portion of the model.

Experimental Procedure:
Connect the smoke generator to the visualizing area via a pipe.
Place a body in the visualizing area, against which the air flow is to be visualized.
Make sure that the regulating valve on the vaporizer is initially closed.
Turn on the smoke generator.
Wait for a minute for the smoke generator to generate smoke.
Gradually open the regulating valve.
Visualize the air flow over the respective body. The flow is laminar if it is smooth. The flow
is turbulent if it is not smooth.
Take pictures and screenshots of the air flow and the way it is separated over the body.

Precautions:
Do not stand behind the wind tunnel while operating it.
Wait for few minutes to generate the smoke after switching on Smoke generator.
The tunnel must be vented to remove the smoke before further flow visualization can be
used.
To turn off the device, first close the regulating valve and wait until the remaining liquid has
been vaporized. After that, the device can be turned off. This prevents an uncontrolled
emission of liquid and smoke when the device is turned on again.
An oily residue is left on whatever the smoke touches.
Pressure taps must be protected to prevent clogging.

Technical specifications:
Supply Unit:
Length x width x height: 330 x 160 x140 mm
Weight: 10 kg
Tank capacity for fog liquid: 750 ml
Consumption of fog liquid on a medium setting 10 ml/min
Power consumption 500 W
Power supply: 230 V/50 Hz
Vaporizer:
Length x width x height without lance: 190 x 90 x 130 mm
Lance tube: 14 x 180 mm
Interchangeable nozzles, angled:
2 x0.25 mm
3 x0.50 mm
Nozzle connection: Cutting ring M6 x0.75
Length of supply hose: 1600 mm
Power supply for heater: 24 V
Heating time: <20 sec
Thermostat: 270 C
Weight: 1 kg

Results:

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