Raymond Zheng
Wind Test Stand Arborloo P14414
The primary objective of this project is to design a scale model and a full-size test stand that will
help determine the wind resistance of various arborloo designs. The scale model test stand
should replicate the forces experienced by a Class I hurricane, and the results should be easily
comparable to the lower speed, full-size results.
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Create test rig & procedure for scale testing. No current test rig for arborloo. Simulate Type I
hurricanes. Measure wind speed, forces. Create test procedure for full size testing.
Recommendations for future design of arborloos.
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Adaptor on-top of wind tunnel block. Attach by 6 countersunk screws for added rigidity.
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Rubber grommets or bumpers to minimize vibration.
Posts from arborloo go through a hole, bottom portion of post are threaded, a washer and
wing-nut to secure arborloo to the adaptor. Nylon-insert wing nut for anti-vibration.
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Additional post add-on for attaching a net to catch any debris that may dislodge
from arborloo.
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All hardware can be sourced from Senior Design cabinets, machine shop or McMaster.
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Process Map:
Raymond Zheng
Wind Test Stand Arborloo P14414
Scale Model Test Plan
Purpose:
The purpose of the small scale testing is to examine the forces experiences by the 1/6 scale
model arborloo. The results of this testing will then be used to predict the forces experienced by
a full scale arborloo. Because of Reynolds scaling, to achieve Kinematic similarity between the
model and the application a wind speed of 570 mph (6x as large as 95 mph) is needed for the
model (1/6 as large as 6 ft). Seeing as the wind tunnel can’t realistically produce 570 mph winds,
the team plans to prove that the coefficient of drag (Cd) is the same for these two different
Reynolds numbers. . This would mean that the team can use the wind tunnel’s lower speeds to
see what happens to the arborloo under windy conditions. If this is true then the team can
accurately say that the conditions sustained in the scale model would reflect what would happen
for the full scale model under the 95 mph winds.
Test Plan Structure:
The first step in the process is for the team to model the system in CFD software. Given the
results from the CFD simulation the team will know whether or not to proceed forward with the
wind tunnel testing. If results are validated the team will then use the wind tunnel to see if the
results obtained in the simulation are matched by the results in wind tunnel. If this is the case
then the team can accurately say that the results are correct.
In order to test in the wind tunnel an arborloo model will be needed as well as a plate to hold the
arborloo in place. The team will hook up necessary sensors to the model and collect relevant
forces and wind speeds on a data collection platform.
Recordable Data:
• Forces felt by model
• Pressure on arborloo surface
• Incoming Wind speed
• Total time of testing
Hurdles:
• Scheduling time for use of wind tunnel
• Making sure the arboloo is secured to the plate
• Sensors calibrated and secured properly
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First arborloo design will be only made to test shape effects. Design will be made from bent
or welded sheet metal with the same dimensions as our future test arborloos. Corners must be
sharp edges.
Raymond Zheng
Wind Test Stand Arborloo P14414
Questions
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Improvements to design?
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Any problems in the past with objects dislodging and entering the wind tunnel? Net to catch
items that dislodge necessary?
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Advice for running sensor wiring. How can we manage the wires to avoid disturbing flow?
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Drill holes on face of area we are testing, sensor on other side. Seal with RTV or
hot glue
Material considerations for adaptor, posts, etc?
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Currently AL6061 because it is readily available and cheap