Characteristics of the low-speed wind tunnel of the UNNE

This paper presents the evaluation of the characteristics of the open-loop low-speed UNNE Wind Tunnel to verify its applicability to similarity studies and to experimental simulations of the atmospheric boundary layer. For this purpose a hot wire anemometry system was implemented for the measurements of mean velocity and velocity fluctuations. Data acquisition was performed by means of an A/D converter board connected to a personal computer. Experimental results are presented in form of velocity profiles and turbulence intensities as well as power spectral distributions of the axial component of the velocity fluctuations. Results of measurements in the empty tunnel showed a uniform velocity held and low turbulence intensities. Analysis of atmospheric boundary-layer simulations by means of Counihan and Standen methods showed the adequecy of the tunnel for natural wind simulations. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.