Checklist

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

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

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

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

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