Environmental Aerodynamics

Institute of Aerodynamics and Gas Dynamics

In the working group the velocity fields over complex topography (e.g. flow around hills or steep slopes) are experimentally investigated. Special wind tunnels are available to simulate the turbulent boundary layer flow of the natural wind. In addition, wind tunnel tests can be performed to determine the expected wind loads on buildings.

How can the field of "Environmental Aerodynamics" at IAG be imagined?
A diagram of the classification within aerodynamics should illustrate this.

How the field of "Environmental Aerodynamics" at IAG be imagined? A diagram of the classification within aerodynamics should illustrate this.
Classification of Environmental Aerodynamics within aerodynamics in general

While "Industrial Aerodynamics" generally covers the area of flow and flow problems outside "Aircraft Aerodynamics", "Environmental Aerodynamics" deals in particular with the sub-areas of "Industrial Aerodynamics" in which the natural wind causes the flow around a body.

In the past, the IAG mainly carried out investigations into the field of "Building Aerodynamics", but for some years now the current research focus has been on "Landscape Aerodynamics".

Currently, the velocity field over a complex topography is measured experimentally in the boundary layer wind tunnel of the IAG.

This is a landscape model of the Albaufstieg near Schnittlingen (Donzdorf, district Göppingen) on a scale of 1:400.

Building model in the Boundary-Layer Wind Tunnel of the IAG, Left: View in flow direction to the blower. Right: View in opposite flow direction to the inlet obstacles.

Fields of activity at Environmental Aerodynamics at the IAG:

  • Experimental research
  • Wind comfort investigations
  • Execution of wind tunnel investigations to determine the expected wind loads (e.g. on buildings, solar modules etc.)
  • Anemometer calibration
  • Contract investigations in the field of industrial aerodynamics, partly on individually manufactured test rigs

Measurement Techniques

3-axis traverse system for different probes

various Pitot, Prandtl and keel probes - various capacitive, inductive and piezoresistive differential pressure transducers

multiple strain gauge force transducers for different load ranges

Multi-component scales for different load ranges

Pressure scanner "DSA 3217" for simultaneous differential pressure measurement of 16 channels (max. sampling rate: 250 Hz)

various hot wires and X-wires incl. probe holder- multi-channel hot wire bridge rack from "A.A. Lab-Systems"

2 distance sensors (laser triangulation)

Visualization with the help of smoke in connection with the laser light section method: Smoke probe

3B visualization laser incl. cylindrical lens

Wall painting (petroleum / soot)

Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV); only temporarily

2-axis traversing frame for automated PIV measurements;
1-axis miniature traverse system for correlation measurements with two hot wires

Research in Environmental Aerodynamics

Currently, the velocity field over a complex topography is measured experimentally in the Boundary-Layer Wind Tunnel of the IAG.

This is a landscape model of the Albaufstieg near Schnittlingen (Donzdorf, district Göppingen) on a scale of 1:400.

Terrain model in the GWK; view in flow direction
Terrain model in the GWK; view in flow direction

The following wind tunnels are available for measurements in the field of environmental aerodynamics:

Boundary-Layer Wind Tunnel
Boundary-Layer Wind Tunnel

The Boundary-Layer Wind Tunnel (GWK)
The GWK can be used to investigate the flow around buildings (e.g. to determine the wind loads), and it is also possible to measure velocity fields over complex topography (e.g. flow around hills or steep slopes).

Medium-Sized Low-Speed Wind Tunnel
Medium-Sized Low-Speed Wind Tunnel

Medium Size Low-Speed Wind Tunnel (MWK)
The Medium-Sized Low-Speed Wind Tunnel (MWK) is a circulating wind tunnel (Göttinger type) with free jet measuring section and circular jet cross section.

Small Boundary-Layer Wind Tunnel
Small Boundary-Layer Wind Tunnel

The Small Boundary-Layer Wind Tunnel (KGWK)
Due to the smaller dimensions of the channel, the bottom boundary layer of the KGWK can be measured within a short time with the aid of a specially manufactured, so-called Pitot rake (see picture).

Contact

Bernd Peters

 

Academic Staff Member working group Environmental Aerodynamics

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