57:020 Mechanics of Fluids and Transfer Processes

Laboratory Experiment #3

Measurement of Pressure Distribution and Forces Acting on an Airfoil

S. Ghosh, M. Muste, S. Breczinski, J. Johnson, S. Cook, and F. Stern

1. Purpose
The purpose of this investigation is to measure the surface pressure distribution, wake axial velocity profile, and lift and
drag forces on a Clark-Y airfoil set at two angles of attack (0 and 16 degrees), and to compare the results, including their
uncertainties, with benchmark data. The experiment will also introduce students to concepts related to digital
acquisition systems: calibration, noise, settling time, and sampling time. Additionally, this laboratory will provide
students with further analysis using an image-based system (ePIV/FlowCoach) with two Clark-Y airfoil models at angles
of attack 0 and 16 degrees.

2. Experiment Design

2.1. Part 1: Wind Tunnel

The geometry of and forces acting on a generic airfoil in a constant flow field (U ) are shown in Figures 1a and
1b. These experiments are conducted using a Clark-Y airfoil mounted in the test section of a closed circuit, open test
section, vertical return wind tunnel (Figure 2). The tunnel enables measurements for turbulent flows up to Re = 300,000.
(Re = U∞c/ ν, where U∞ is the free-stream velocity in the tunnel, c is the airfoil chord length, and ν is the kinematic
viscosity of air). It has four 90o corners equipped with turning vanes, two diffusers, a contraction section, test section
and fan. The vanes, settling chamber and contraction section help in achieving a uniform flow in the test section.

(a) Geometry (b) Hydrodynamics

Figure 1. (a)-(b): Airfoil characteristics

(a) Layout of the open test section wind tunnel (b) Airfoil schematic
showing measurement system components
Figure 2 (a)-(b): Wind tunnel layout

The tunnel’s closed circuit is approximately 18.3 m long. The test section is a 0.76 m by 0.76 m square, 1.52 m
long. A resistance temperature detector and a Pitot tube are placed upstream in the upper half of the test section to

1
monitor and control the temperature and free stream velocity, respectively. The Pitot tube is connected to a pressure
transducer along with a digital display for visualization of experimental conditions. A Clark-Y airfoil was selected for
the experiment because it exhibits good aerodynamic performance over a wide range of Reynolds numbers and also
because there is abundant benchmark data available for comparison. The geometry of the Clark-Y airfoil and the
positioning of the pressure taps used in the experiment are illustrated in Figure 3b. Positioning of the airfoil at various
angles of attack is made with a hand wheel connected to a digital display. The airfoil is set on a pair of load cells that
measure the overall forces (lift and drag) acting on the airfoil (see Figure 3a and 3c). An overall view of the system is
provided in Figure 3a.
Data acquisition is conducted with an Automated Data Acquisition System (DA), as shown in Figure 3c. DA is
controlled and interfaced by LabView software, described in Appendix B. DA contains several measurement modules:
tunnel controls, pressure measurements, velocity measurements, and force measurements. The pressure distribution
around the airfoil is obtained from 29 pressure taps, connected, using tygon tubes, to the ports of a scanning valve that
sequentially cycles through each pressure tap. Pressures selected by the scanning valve are measured by a differential
pressure transducer that has one port connected at all times to the pressure measured in the free stream (p∞), with the
other port connected to the scanning valve output port. The wake velocity profile is measured with a traverse-mounted
Pitot tube with stagnation pressure routed through one of the scanning valve input ports. The automated traverse allows
for consistent and efficient velocity measurements at specified vertical positions with the use of the DA. The load cell
measures forces directly applied to the airfoil. It is calibrated during the experiment to obtain a relationship between
forces acting on the airfoil and voltage output from the load cell.
Chord-wise L Load Cell

(a)
Pressure
Taps
(b)
Tygon
Tubing Tangent to surface at P
D
U P
8

To Load Cell Camber Line
Scanivalve

Airfoil chord
  (angle of
attack)

8 9 10 11
6 7
5 12
2 3 4 13
1 14
0,29
18 17 16 15
28 20 19
24 23 22 21
27 26
25

0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0

x/c

(c)

Figure 3. Experimental layout: a) photograph of test section and instrumentation;

b) Clark-Y airfoil geometry; c) DA components

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2.1.1. Data reduction (DR) equations
The measured variables are the test section air temperature, free stream velocity, pressure distribution around
the airfoil, axial velocity profile behind the airfoil, and lift and drag forces acting on the airfoil. Using these
measurements, the pressure coefficient at each pressure tap, CP, and the lift coefficient for the airfoil, CL, are obtained.
The data reduction equation for the pressure coefficient, CP, is given by:
2 pi  p 
C p  pi , p ,  ,U    (1)
U 2
where pi is the static pressure at any pressure tap on the airfoil surface, p is the free stream pressure (measured on the
Pitot static port),  is air density, and U is the free-stream velocity, given by:
2 pstagn  p 
U  (2)

where pstagn is the stagnation pressure measured at the tip of the Pitot tube placed at the upper half of the test section.
The data reduction equation for the lift coefficient, CL, is given by:

CL L,  , U  , b, c 
2L
(3)
U 2 bc
where L is the lift force acting on the airfoil surface, b is the airfoil span, and c is the airfoil chord (as shown in Figure
1a). The data reduction equation for the drag coefficient CD is given by
CD D,  , U  , b, c 
2D
(4)
U 2 bc
where D is the drag force acting on the airfoil surface. The lift force, L, can be obtained in two ways. The first method
is by integrating the measured pressure distribution over the airfoil:
L    pi  p  sin  i ds (5)
s
where θi is the angle of the surface normal to free-stream flow at each of the pressure taps (Figure 3b), as specified in
Appendix A. The drag force, D, can also be obtained in two ways. The first method is by measuring the velocity
distribution upstream and downstream of the airfoil body. Drag is then found by integrating the change in momentum:
yU

D    ui U   ui dy (6)
yL
where ui is the velocity measured at each pre-determined elevation in the wake of the airfoil, yL is the lower most
elevation of the measurements, and yU is the upper most elevation of the measurements. Refer to Method 2 in Appendix
C for the derivation of equation (6). Alternatively, both the drag and lift forces can be directly measured with the load
cell using the following calibration equations:

D  AD  (V  V0 ) (7) L  AL  (V  V0 ) (8)

where AD and AL are coefficients for drag and lift, respectively, determined from the load cell calibrations, V and V0 are
the load cell voltage output when U  0 and U = 0, respectively.

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2.2. Part 2: ePIV/FlowCoach
As in EFD Lab 2, Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) will be used to track fluid motion and calculate velocity
magnitudes and vectors around a Clark-Y airfoil at angles of attack of 0º and 16º. Data will be gathered using an ePIV
(Educational PIV) system or a FlowCoach system, depending on the lab section.
In ePIV/FlowCoach analysis, a seeded fluid is illuminated by a laser sheet, and a camera takes rapid
photographs of the fluid flow, at a rate of 30 Hz. Four parameters are used to control the camera settings:
 Brightness – This controls the overall brightness of the image. For the best PIV results, brightness should
be set to a medium-low value.
 Exposure – This controls how long the camera sensors are exposed per image frame taken. Higher values
correspond to shorter exposure times, and lower values correspond to longer exposure times. PIV analysis
benefits from high exposure values (short exposure times), to facilitate software tracking of patterns of
particles.
 Gain – This controls the sensitivity of the sensors per unit time. Using higher gain will amplify the signal
obtained by the sensors, so typically higher gain values are needed for images taken with short exposure
times, which would otherwise be very dark. However, increasing the gain has a side effect: using higher
gain increases the noise in the image.
 Frames – This specifies how many images the camera will take, for PIV analysis. At least two images are
needed to process vectors, and taking more will allow the software to average results and reduce precision
error.
After images are captured, they are processed to determine velocity vectors and magnitudes. The software
takes a pair of consecutive images and breaks it into many small regions, called interrogation windows. In each
interrogation window, the PIV software compares the two images, determines how far the pattern of particles has moved
in the amount of time between the two images, and calculates a single velocity vector for that window. This is repeated
across the entire measurement area, generating a vector field. With the ePIV system, three PIV parameters can be
adjusted.
 Window Size – This sets the size (in pixels) of the interrogation window. Ideally, smaller windows are
desired, because they show more flow detail, averaging over a smaller region of the flow. However, if
values are too small, fewer particles pass through the interrogation window, which can result in unstable
vector computation.
 Shift Size – This determines the distance (in pixels) that the software moves to start a new interrogation
window. For example, if a window size of 80 and a shift size of 40 were used, the software would compute
a vector in the first 80x80 interrogation window, and then shift 40 pixels, computing a second vector in a
new 80x80 window. The two windows would overlap by 50%. A smaller shift size results in more vectors
being computed, but the increased overlap means that some of the data reported is repeated between the
vectors.
 PIV Pairs – This specifies how many pairs of images are used for PIV calculations. PIV analysis compares
any two consecutive images, if 10 images are captured, up to 9 PIV pairs can be specified for computation.
Results computed for each individual pair are averaged together, reducing precision error.

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3. Experiment Process

3.1. Part 1: Wind Tunnel

Test Data Data Uncertainty Data
Set-up Acquisition Reduction Analysis Analysis

Facility & Prepare Statistical Estimate bias Compare results

conditions experimental analysis limits with benchmark
procedures data, CFD, and
/or AFD
Clark-Y airfoil Remove outliers
Set AOA

Install Data reduction Data reduction sheet

Set tunnel speed Use Fig. 7a as
model equations
reference for
pressure Cp
Set up airfoil in Evaluate Eq. 1 Estimate
the test section precision limits Use Fig. 7b as
Evaluate Eq. 2 reference for lift
coefficient
Calibration Evaluate Eq. 3

Evaluate Eq. 4 Use Fig. 7c as

Calibrate load cell reference for drag
for lift and drag Initialize data Evaluate Eq. 5 coefficient
acquisition
Prepare software Evaluate Eq.6 Evaluate Eq. 8
measurement Report difference
systems Evaluate Eq. 12 between
Open Labview experimental and
program reference data

Pitot tube Enter hardware

settings and reference Estimate total
Pressure pressure uncertainty Evaluate f luid
transducer physics , EFD
process and UA
Scani valve Run tes ts &
acquire data Evaluate Eq. 6

Pressure taps Evaluate Eq. 9 Answer

Measure airfoil questions in
Load cell pressure distribution section 4

Measure lift Prepare report

force

Measure drag
force

Store data

Write results to
output file

Figure 4. EFD Process for Wind Tunnel Measurements.

3.1.1. Test Setup

The experiment measurement system is comprised of the wind tunnel, the airfoil, and the DA (see Figure 3).
The DA acquires measurements velocities and temperature in the test section, pressures on the surface of the airfoil,
forces on the airfoil, and the angle of attack. Before taking the measurements there are several preparatory operations:
Load cell calibration
 Install the model in the test section and set it to zero angle of attack.
 With wind tunnel velocity set to zero, calibrate the load cell. The load cell measures three force components,
i.e., Fx (the drag force), Fy and Fz (the lift force). Calibrations are only conducted for lift and drag forces. For
this purpose, a series of five loads (from 0 to 1.635 kg) will be successively applied to a special calibration
frame, as demonstrated by the TA. Open the calibration software and follow the instructions specified in Step
1, Appendix B. Using the software, plot the measurements. Calibration coefficients will later be calculated by
applying a linear regression to the measured data.
Tunnel flow conditions
 Set the target flow conditions in the tunnel test section, as per Step 2, Appendix B. A Reynolds number of
300,000 (15 m/s free stream velocity) will be used in this experiment to compare results with the available
benchmark data.

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Pressure transducer operation
 With tunnel settings at the target conditions (Re=300,000), software will be used by the TA to demonstrate the
effect of the noise of DA. This noise takes the form of a residual signal in the DA recordings that collectively
represents the electronic noise, digitization effects, other uncontrolled environmental parameters, and the effect
of the digitization levels: the resolution with which the DA converts the analog to digital signal.
 Two important data acquisition parameters will be established, using another set of software interfaces. The
settling time (time needed for the DA to recover after changing its setting from one pressure tap to the next) and
the sampling time (the length of time needed for a measurement to capture the actual mean value of a turbulent,
fluctuating quantity) will be explained and demonstrated by the TA.

3.1.2. Data Acquisition

The data acquisition steps are listed below:
1. Install the airfoil, and calibrate the load cell for both lift and drag forces, following Step 1, in Appendix B.
2. Set the airfoil angle of attack to 0°, and adjust the wind tunnel motor speed to achieve a Reynolds number of
300,000 (15 m/s free stream velocity). Details are specified in Step 2, Appendix B.
3. With the flow and angle of attack set to the desired values, measure the lift and drag forces on the airfoil, using
the load cells. Open the Labview program for load cell data acquisition and follow the procedure in Step 4,
Appendix B. The software records the voltage output from the load cells. These voltage values will be
converted to forces using the calibration equation (equation (7) and (8)) and the established calibration
coefficients.
4. Maintaining the same flow conditions as above, measure the pressure distribution around the airfoil. Open the
Labview program for the pressure transducer, and follow the procedure in Step 3 of Appendix B. Enter the
values of the settling and sampling determined above in the software interface. The DA software will measure
the pressure distribution around the airfoil, as well as the free-stream velocity. Pressure is measured in
reference to the static pressure tap on the traverse-mounted Pitot tube. For this reason, ensure the Pitot tube is
positioned well below the airfoil with the use of the traverse. The TA will demonstrate the proper use of the
traverse controller. The software outputs the average pressure measured at each tap and graphically displays
the measurements as they are collected. The input connections to the scanning valve are as follows:
a. Ports 0 to 28 are connected to the corresponding pressure taps located on the airfoil (see Figure 3.b).
b. Port 40 is connected to the static pressure tap on the traverse mounted Pitot tube (which is connected
to the reference side of the pressure transducer, and is therefore redundant).
c. Port 42 is connected to the stagnation pressure tap on the traverse-mounted Pitot (for velocity
measurement, step 6 below).
5. Repeat Steps 2 through 4 for an angle of attack of 16°.
6. For angle of attack of 16° with the same flow conditions as above, measure the velocity profile downstream of
the airfoil. Before acquiring data it is important to establish a datum for which to reference the elevation of
traverse-mounted Pitot tube. Use the traverse controller to position the tip of the Pitot at the same elevation as
the trailing edge of the airfoil. It is important to consult the TA for proper traverse controller operation. Open
the Labview program for velocity profile measurement, and follow the procedure in Step 5 of Appendix B. The
DA software will measure the pressure difference sensed by the Pitot tube and will internally convert this
pressure difference to a velocity. Velocity is graphically displayed at each pre-determined elevation (defined in
DA) allowing the velocity profile to be visualized.

3.1.3 Data Reduction

A spreadsheet will be provided for the data reduction. Data reduction includes calculation of the following quantities:
1. Calculate Cp for all 28 pressure taps.
2. Calculate the lift force L and the corresponding lift coefficient CL on the airfoil by integrating the measured
pressure distribution over the airfoil surface.
3. Calculate the lift force L and the corresponding lift coefficient CL on the airfoil using data obtained from the
load cell.
4. Calculate the drag force D and the corresponding drag coefficient CD on the airfoil using data obtained from the
load cell.
5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 for an angle of attack of 16°.
6. For angle of attack of 16°, calculate the drag force D and the corresponding drag coefficient CD on the airfoil
by integrating the change in momentum from the measured velocity profile downstream of the airfoil.

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3.1.4. Uncertainty Assessment
Uncertainties for the experimentally measured pressure and lift coefficients will be evaluated. The methodology
for estimating uncertainties follows the AIAA S-071 Standard (AIAA, 1995) as summarized in Stern et al. (1999) for
multiple tests (sections 6.1 and 6.3). The block diagram for error propagation to the final results is provided in Figure 5.
Based on previous experiments, it was found that bias and precision limits for , U  , , s, and c are negligible, so for
the present analysis, we will only include the bias limit for pi  p . The spreadsheet provided for calculating
experimental uncertainties contains estimates of bias and precision limits for the individual measured variables, based on
previous experiments.
The data reduction equation for the pressure coefficients
(equation (1)) is of the form C p  f ( pi  p ,  ,U  ) . For EXPERIMENTAL ERROR SOURCES

this analysis, we will only consider bias and precision limits for
pi  p (see uncertainty analysis spreadsheet). Note that this ANGLE OF
ATTACK TEMPERATURE FREE-STREAM
VELOCITY
SURFACE
PRESSURE
INDIVIDUAL
MEASUREMENT
uncertainty assessment does not include error sources such as SYSTEMS

pressure lag exceeding the data acquisition delay time,  T U p MEASUREMENT

OF INDIVIDUAL
undetected leaks in the pressure tubing, model orifice effects, B , P BT , PT BU , PU Bp , Pp
VARIABLES
vibration effects on the probes, unsteady flow effects, and
undetected leaks in the scanning valve.  = f ()
The total uncertainty for the pressure coefficient measured at =  (T) = f (T) air
air

each pressure tap is given by equation (24) in Stern et al. U = 2(p -p ) stagn
 DATA REDUCTION
(1999): 2(p -p ) EQUATIONS
Cp [(pi - p ), (T), U ] =
i

 BCp  PCp
2
2 2 2 U
U Cp (8)
CL [L, , U , c] =
2L
2
U bc
The bias limit in Equation (8) is the same for all taps and is
given by equation (14) in Stern et al. (1999). Neglecting Cp TL
EXPERIMENTAL
correlated bias limits and discarding the terms with negligible BC , PC
p p
BC , PC
L L
RESULTS
bias limits:
j Figure 5. Block diagram showing propagation of
2
BCp  i2 Bi2   (2pi  p ) B(2pi p ) (9) error through data reduction equations
i 1

where Bi is the bias limit for the individual variable and  i  C p X i is the sensitivity coefficient. This sensitivity
coefficient, p p
i   , is evaluated using the average values for the individual variables, and is given by:
C p 2
p _ p   
  pi  p  
(10)
i 
U 2
The precision limit for each pressure tap in Equation (8) was estimated using equation (23) in Stern et al. (1999):
PCp  2S Cp M (11)
where SCp is the standard deviation of the pressure coefficients at each pressure tap, evaluated using equation (22) in
Stern et al. (1999) for M = 10 repeated tests. Precision limits will have different values at each of the 28 taps. However,
for this experiment, the precision limit will be calculated only at tap 0, where pressure measurements will be repeated 10
times.
The data reduction equation for the lift coefficient, equation (3), is of the form
C p  f ( pi  p , , s,  , U  , c) . For this analysis, we will only consider bias and precision limits for pi  p
(see data reduction spreadsheet). The total uncertainty for the measurement of the lift coefficient is given by (equation
24 in Stern et al., 1999)
2
U CL  BCL
2
 PCL
2
(12)

The bias limit in equation (12) is given by equation (14) in Stern et al. (1999). Neglecting correlated bias limits and
discarding the terms with negligible bias limits:
j
2
BCL   i2 Bi2   (2pi  p ) B(2pi p ) (13)
i 1

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Given the above assumptions and using the lift force determined by integration (equation (5)), the expression for the bias
limit of the lift coefficient is:
2 2
k
 CL   B pi p   k
B 2
B 2
 pi p     
i 1    pi  p  
2   sin ds  2
(14)
 0.5 U  c 
CL i i
i 1
Notations used in equation (14) are defined in Table 1 and Appendix A (k = 29).
The precision limit in Equation (12) was estimated using equation (23) in Stern et al. (1999):
PCL  2SCL M (15)

where SCL is the standard deviation of the lift coefficients evaluated using equation (22) in Stern et al. (1999) for M = 10
repeated tests. An average value for the precision limit will be provided in the uncertainty analysis spreadsheet, based
on previous measurements.

3.2. Part 2: ePIV/FlowCoach

3.2.1. Test Setup

Prior to the experiment, your TA will prepare the ePIV/FlowCoach system.

3.2.2. Data Acquisition

The ePIV/FlowCoach experimental procedure follows the steps listed below:
1. With TA assistance, install the Clark-Y airfoil model with 0º angle of attack in the ePIV/FlowCoach test
section. Flush all bubbles from the test insert module, and reassemble the device.
2. Detach the reservoir from the ePIV device, unscrew the lid, and insert a thermometer to measure the
temperature of the water. This will be used to determine its viscosity later. Close the reservoir and reattach it
to the system. For FlowCoach use, the reservoir is a large tub located at the bottom of the test stand.
3. Turn on the ePIV system by flipping the switch on the back of the device. For FlowCoach use, the power
switch is located on the attached power strip.
4. Adjust the knob on the front of the ePIV system to approximately ¾ of the maximum flow rate. Rotate the
knob fully clockwise, then turn it two revolutions counterclockwise. Consult TA for proper flow rate with the
FlowCoach system.
5. On the computer desktop, open the “FLOWEX” software. Click on the “Acquire” button, on the left side of the
screen.
6. Specify camera parameters for PIV image acquisition. Recommended values are 55, 100, 100, and 10, for
brightness, exposure, gain, and frames, respectively.
7. Click on the “Capture” button to acquire 10 images. When FLOWEX returns to the “Acquire” dialogue, press
F5 to refresh the screen and view your images, which should appear similar to the example in Figure 10, below.
If your images look significantly different, modify your camera settings and re-capture the images.
8. Once you have satisfactory results, click on the “Analyze” button on the left side of the FLOWEX screen.
9. Specify parameters for PIV processing. Values of 20, 10, and 9 should be used for window size, shift size, and
PIV pairs, respectively.
10. Click on the “Process” button to begin PIV processing. This computation will take a few minutes to complete.
When FLOWEX returns to the “Analyze” dialogue, press F5 to refresh the screen to view your results. You
should be able to see images of a velocity vector field and velocity magnitude contours.
11. Scroll the screen down below the two images under the “Results” section. Right-click on “Velocity vector field
data” and save the file to a working directory on the computer. Rename the file to include your group number
and the angle of attack tested.
12. Turn off the ePIV/FlowCoach system by flipping the appropriate switch.
13. Repeat steps 1 through 11 using the 16º angle-of-attack model.

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3.2.3. Data Reduction
Calculate the Reynolds number around the airfoil for each angle of attack, using equation (16), below.
U avc
Re  (16)

If using the ePIV system, use a value of 20 mm for the chord length c. If using the FlowCoach system, use a value of 50
m for the chord length c. The kinematic viscosity of water, ν, should be determined from the reservoir temperature that
you recorded during data acquisition. To obtain the average velocity in the test section, Uav, open the text file containing
your velocity vector data for 0-degrees angle of attack (renamed from “velocity_vec.txt”) and copy the entire contents of
the file. If using the ePIV system, open the file “Lab3 Data Reduction Sheet (ePIV-0deg.),” available on the class
website, and paste the copied data into the green cells on the first tab, labeled “Raw Velocity Vector Data.” If using the
FlowCoach system, use the file “Lab3 Data Reduction Sheet (FlowCoach-0deg.).” Repeat this process for your 16-
degree-angle-of-attack data.
Using the TecPlot software, generate images of the velocity vector field, streamlines around the airfoil, and
velocity magnitude contours for both 0º and 16º angles of attack. Instructions for using TecPlot, “E-PIV/FlowCoach
Data Post-Processing Instructions,” are downloadable from the class website, at http://css.engineering.uiowa.edu/~fluids

4. Data Analysis

4.1. Part 1: Wind Tunnel

Data analysis includes the following steps, shown below. Use the data reduction sheet for all calculations, and
attach it along with your lab reports. The data analysis section of the lab report must include the answers to all 6
questions given below.
1. If the lift L is a function of the free-stream velocity U∞, density , chord c, angle of attack , and viscosity ,
what are the dimensionless groups ( parameters) that characterize this problem?
2. How do the experimental measurements of the pressure distribution apply to a full-scale aircraft with a similar
airfoil section?
3. Include the calibration plots for both lift and drag along with your lab report. The plots should have Voltage
on the x-axis and Mass on the y-axis, and should include the calibration equation. Figure 6, below, shows an
example plot for lift calibration. The drag calibration plot should be made in the same way.

Lift calibration y = -4.1178x - 0.0772

R2 = 1
Mass [kg] Lift [V]
1.8
0 -0.0181 1.6
1.4
0.295 -0.0901 1.2
Mass (kg)

1
0.415 -0.1197 0.8
0.765 -0.2059 0.6
0.4
1.31 -0.3371 0.2
0
1.635 -0.415 -0.5 -0.4 -0.3 -0.2 -0.1 0

Volts

Figure 6. Load cell calibration curve

4. Plot Cp versus x/c for each angle of attack. Plot the benchmark data (Figure 7a) corresponding to the same
angle of attack on the same graph. Show the calculated uncertainty for Cp at the tap number where precision
limits were performed, using an uncertainty band. Indicate the percentage of uncertainty on the graph.
Example plots are given in the data reduction spreadsheet. Also include a plot of the normalized velocity
profile measurement taken at 16º angle-of-attack.
5. Plot the results for CL, obtained from both pressure distribution and load cell, with the benchmark data.
Figure 7b shows the benchmark data for CL, and the coordinates are given in data reduction sheet.
6. Plot the results for CD, obtained from both velocity profile and load cell, with the benchmark data. Figure 7c
shows the benchmark data for CD, and the coordinates are given in the data reduction sheet.

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 (a) Distribution of pressure coefficients for  = 0, 4, 8, and 16

(b) Variation of CL with angle of attack (c) Variation of CD with angle of attack

Figure 7. (a)-(c): Airfoil reference data at Re=300,000

4.2. Part 2: ePIV/FlowCoach

Your lab report should include the plots that you generated of the velocity vector field, streamlines around the
airfoil, and velocity magnitude contours for both 0º and 16º angles of attack. Answer the following questions, and
include them as well:
1. Include your Reynolds number calculations for the Clark-Y airfoil model. Compare your streamline plots for
each angle of attack. Do you observe any flow separation on the top surface of the airfoil? Do you expect to
see any separation? Why or why not?
2. On each streamline plot, mark the flow stagnation point. How should the pressure at this point compare to the
pressure at other locations on the airfoil?

10
5. References
AIAA (1995). AIAA- 071 Standard, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Washington, DC.
Granger, R.A. (1988). Experiments in Fluid Mechanics, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc. New York, N.Y.
Marchman III, J.F. and Werme, T.D. (1984). Clark-Y Performance at Low Reynolds Numbers, Proceedings AIAA 22nd
Aerospace Science Meeting, Reno, NE.
Robertson, J.A. and Crowe, C.T. (1993). Engineering Fluid Mechanics, 5th edition, Houghton Mifflin, Boston, MA.
Stern, F., Muste, M., Beninati, L-M., Eichinger, B. (1999). Summary of Experimental Uncertainty Assessment
Methodology with Example, IIHR Report, Iowa Institute of Hydraulic Research, The University of
Iowa, Iowa City, IA.
White, F.M. (1994). Fluid Mechanics, 3rd edition, McGraw-Hill, Inc., New York, N.Y.

APPENDIX A
SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE EXPERIMENTAL FACILITY COMPONENTS

Relevant geometrical notations are N s 

provided in Figure 3b. The positioning Tap x/C Surface Element Surface (i-1) - (i) to Chord
of the pressure taps on the airfoil Number (i) Length (mm) Line Angle (degrees)
surface is also specified in Figure 3b. 0 0.00 8.0 209.0
Airfoil Geometry: 1 1.25 6.0 160.7
2 2.50 6.0 136.2
- maximum thickness, t = 0.0254 m; 3 5.00 9.0 136.
115.8
- airfoil wing span, b = 0.762 m; 34 7.50 9.0 107.3
- chord length, c = 0.3048 m 5 10.00 8.0 102.6
6 15.00 8.08.0
15.5 100.1
Angle notations: 7 20.00 15.5 97.1
- surface to chord line angle, ; 8 30.00 30.03 93.2
- angle of surface normal to 9 40.00 33333
30.0 89.8
free- stream flow, ; 10
11
50.00
60.00
30.0
31.5
86.7
83.9
- angle of attack, . 12 70.00 31.5 81.9
The numerical values for the airfoil 13 80.00 31.5 81.1
14 90.00 31.5 79.7
relevant geometrical characteristics are Trailing Edge 100.00 30.0 78.6
provided in the table to the right. These 15 90.00 29.0
31 272.4
values are also provided in the data 16 80.00 31.0 272.4
17 70.00 31.0 272.4
reduction sheet. Lift force can be 18 60.00 31.0 272.4
272.4
computed using the trapezoidal scheme 19 50.00 31.0 272.4
for the numerical integration 20 40.00 30.0 272.4
21
18 30.00 30.0 272.4
L  s pi  p  sin i ds
22 20.00 30.0 272.4
23 15.00 15.5 272.4
 pi  p    pi 1  p sin i 1,i si 1,i
1 24 10.00 15.5 272.4
 25 7.50 7.5 272.4
i 2 26 5.00 9.0 265.5
27 2.50 6.0 253.4
28 1.25 4.5 241.0

11
 APPENDIX B
THE AUTOMATED DATA ACQUISITION SYSTEM (ADAS)

Step 1: Calibration of Load Cell

a. Getting started with the calibration of load cell.
Double click on the program
Lift_Force_Xducer_Calibration.vi from the ADAS
shortcut and open the calibration program.

Figure B.1
b. From the main menu select Calibration. A table
shown in the right cell will pop up showing the mass (kg)
versus lift and drag forces (Volts). Hit Run to start the
program and click on Acquire Signal. Keep increasing
the weights on the Load cell as directed by the TA and
keep acquiring data to obtain the linear regression. The
data recorded can be seen on the table.

Figure B.2
c. Select and click on the Plot tab from the main menu.
The linear calibration curve between the loading mass
and the output voltage can be observed once you hit the
Plot button on the Load cell Signal as shown in Figure
B.3.

Figure B.3
d. Click on Write Results from the Load cell Signal box
and the recorded data will be written to an output text file
that will be used later to convert the signal from Volts to
Newtons.

Figure B.4
Step 2: Setting up Wind Tunnel Conditions
a. Once the calibration is complete, the next step is to
switch on the wind tunnel. The wind tunnel desired
speed is controlled using the program shown in Figure
B.5. Open the program VWT_Set_Motor_Speed.vi
from the ADAS. Click Run button on the program.

Figure B.5
b. Open program VWT_Tunnel_Velocity.vi and hit Run
after inputting the atmospheric pressure in mm of Hg in
the Ambient Pressure box. The wind tunnel velocity is
displayed on the lower left hand corner of the main page.
Adjust the speed on the tunnel by adjusting the Desired
Voltage as shown in Figure B.5. Once the wind tunnel
velocity is set at the desired level proceed to step 3.
Figure B.6

12
 Step 3: Measurement of pressure distribution
a. Open program
VWT_Scanivalve_Data_Acquisition.vi.
Select the Ref Cond tab from the main menu. Enter the
values of manometer fluid density and the ambient
absolute pressure in the two boxes as shown in Figure
B.7.

Figure B.7
b. After entering the density and pressure values, select
Port List tab from the main menu. Enter the pressure
tap numbers in the order they are required to be scanned
as shown in Figure B.8. Click on the Run button to start
scanning the pressure taps.

Figure B.8
Step 4: Lift and drag force measurement
c. Open program ATMI_Load_Cell_Test.vi and click
Run. The instantaneous lift force will be displayed on
the Lift graph. The display shows the force in terms of
volts, which can be converted to Newtons using the
calibration curve. Once the force is noted click on the
STOP button.

Figure B.9
Step 5: Measurement of velocity profile
a. Open program VWT_Wake_Survey.vi.
Select the Input tab from the main menu. Enter the
values of settling time, angle of attack, and the ambient
absolute pressure in the three boxes as shown in Figure
B.10. Then specify the output file path and file name by
clicking on the folder button as shown in Figure B.10.

Figure B.10
b. Next select the A/D tab and specify the input channel
the pressure transducer is connected to. Specify
sampling time and data rate. Refer to Figure B.11

Figure B.11

13
c. Open the input file VHIL_Station_List.txt. Verify
all the Pitot tube elevation positions are correct in mm.
See Figure B.12.

Figure B.12
d. Ensure Pitot tube datum has been established by first
locating the tip of the traverse-mounted Pitot tube at the
elevation of the airfoil trailing edge. Click Run and the
DA will move the Pitot tube to the specified elevations
to record velocity. The velocity profile will be
displayed in the plot. See Figure B.13.

Figure B.13

14