Experimental techniques in the wind tunnel of naval architecture faculty

Abstract

The implementation of innovative solutions in the field of shipbuilding requires the continuous development of research infrastructure. The hydro-aerodynamic problems of fluid flow around the hulls can be solved with numerical and/or experimental techniques. In any case, the validation of the numerical solutions is performed in specialized hydro-aerodynamic laboratories by means of the experimental model tests. In this context, a wind tunnel was developed at the Naval Architecture Faculty of “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, in order to measure the aerodynamic forces and moments or the speed and pressure distribution on the hull, generated by the wind action. This paper presents the most important types of problems that can be experimentally approached in the aerodynamic tunnel and the specific experimental equipments. The wind tunnel development was financed from the university funds.