> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://gtae.gitbook.io/low-turbulence-wind-tunnel/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://gtae.gitbook.io/low-turbulence-wind-tunnel/operating-the-tunnel/checklist.md). # Checklist Once you've completed installation of your test article, follow these steps when ready to power-up the tunnel. **Note that this checklist only covers baseline operation of the tunnel itself and the air flow meter. The operation of any other equipment is regarded as experiment-specific and thus should be covered in its own checklist.** ## Prepare the space * [ ] Clear the inlet area of any foreign objects * [ ] Clear the outlet area of any foreign objects * [ ] Ensure tunnel side panels are securely fastened * [ ] Clear the test section of any tools, parts, or any other object not part of the test article * [ ] Perform the Fan and Transition Inspection * [ ] Check to make sure the Fan has not moved on the stand. The four black lines should be fully visible and parallel to the Fan legs * [ ] Look through the windows on BOTH sides of the fan and THOROUGHLY inspect the taping of the transition tarp. * [ ] Make sure there are no pieces of tape that have come undone during the previous usage. * [ ] Check the ENTIRE circumference of the taped area on both the inlet and outlet of the transition tarp. * [ ] If there are any issues with this step, you will not be able to test. Contact [Venkat Putcha](mailto:venkatputcha@gatech.edu) ## Prepare the instruments * [ ] Visually check that the front-most pitot-static tube is facing directly into the flow within 0-5 degrees of the freestream * [ ] If it is not, DO NOT attempt to straighten it yourself - email [Venkat Putcha](mailto:venkatputcha@gatech.edu) who will arrange for it to be fixed * [ ] Power on the FlowKinetics air flow meter and follow the prompts to calibrate * [ ] Wait for a prompt that asks you to set molecular weight. You will press "Zero" to select 287 for air. * [ ] Wait for a prompt that asks for a pitot correction factor. You will press "Zero" to set 1 * [ ] Flowkinetics will calibrate and zero itself * [ ] Set the FlowKinetics selector switch to your desired speed unit and verify that the measured flow speed, V1, is <1 m/s {% hint style="info" %} If the FlowKinetics was already on when you entered, you may want to consider power cycling it and re-calibrating to account for any changes to ambient conditions. {% endhint %} ## Power on the tunnel * [ ] Turn on the master breaker switch * [ ] Ensure all personnel are inside the control room and close the door * [ ] Run the initial safety test — To be run at the start of your test program and anytime you change something in the test section!! * [ ] On the fan control panel, set the control dial to 20% of maximum power * [ ] Press RUN - the fan will start spooling up * [ ] As the fan accelerates, keep an eye on the test section and the outlet area - covering the STOP button in case anything untoward happens * [ ] Check Flowkinetics to make sure the airspeed is \~5.5 m/s. If it is significantly different, power the tunnel down and recheck the transition tarp and the pitot probe. * [ ] Note: If your test article has a large cross section area, the airspeed may be lower than \~5.5 m/s * [ ] Verify your test article is secure and there are no visible hazards once the fan has reached steady-state. * [ ] Report any issues to [Venkat Putcha](mailto:venkatputcha@gatech.edu) * [ ] Run the max load test — To be run at the start of your test program and anytime you change something in the test section!! * [ ] On the fan control panel, set the desired speed to the highest setting you will use during the test (maximum is ideal, if your test article can take it) * [ ] The current tunnel is speed limited to 50% maximum power. This equates to 16.7 m/s for an empty test section * [ ] As the fan accelerates, keep an eye on the test section and the outlet area - covering the STOP button in case anything untoward happens * [ ] Verify your test article is secure and there are no visible hazards once the fan has reached steady-state * [ ] Perform your experiments * [ ] Adjust the power dial until you achieve your desired air speed * [ ] You may start/stop the fan or change the airflow speed as many times as you desire * [ ] Try to limit start/stop cycles as much as possible * [ ] Try your best to to stop the fan only if you need to change something in the test section or you will be taking a break longer than 5 minutes. Optimize your testing accordingly * [ ] To power down the tunnel, hit the STOP button on the control panel. Wait \~30 seconds for the fan to spool down. * [ ] **SAFETY INFORMATION** * [ ] **You MUST have at least 2 people present during all testing!** * [ ] **If you need to go out of the control room, you may now do so using ONLY the door nearest the computer.** * [ ] **You MUST wear eye protection if exiting the control room.** * [ ] **You can wear hearing protection, but this is not required.** * [ ] **NEVER go in the test section, stand at the outlet, or stand at the inlet while the tunnel is running!** * [ ] **If anything is changed in the test section, you must re-run the initial safety test and max loads tests outlined above** ## Wind Tunnel Shutdown Procedure * [ ] Turn the speed dial down as low as it will go (\~10%) * [ ] Hit the STOP button on the fan control panel * [ ] Wait \~30 seconds for the fan to spool down * [ ] Turn off the master breaker switch * [ ] Perform the Fan and Transition Inspection * [ ] Check to make sure the Fan has not moved on the stand. The four black lines should be fully visible and parallel to the Fan legs * [ ] Look through the windows on BOTH sides of the fan and THOROUGHLY inspect the taping of the transition tarp. * [ ] Make sure there are no pieces of tape that have come undone during the previous usage. * [ ] Check the ENTIRE circumference of the taped area on both the inlet and outlet of the transition tarp. * [ ] Power off the FlowKinetics air flow meter * [ ] Tidy all areas and remove your test article and all equipment/tools * [ ] Report any issues/malfunctions to [Venkat Putcha](mailto:venkatputcha@gatech.edu)