Investigation of blockage effects on circular cylinders in a two-dimensional wind tunnel

Citation

Pounder, Edwin (1951) Investigation of blockage effects on circular cylinders in a two-dimensional wind tunnel. Engineer's thesis, California Institute of Technology. http://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-03312009-085215

Abstract

These investigations include some experimental and theoretical studies upon blockage effects in a two-dimensional wind tunnel. The shape chosen to represent a body in the tunnel is that of a circular cylinder since such a body will eliminate circulation as a variable and will produce large blockage effects.

In experimental studies, three cylinders of different size are tested in a two-dimensional tunnel. It is found that interference effects are of such a magnitude that it is impossible to obtain two-dimensional flow with the basic models. Two-dimensional flow is obtained through the use of separation devices, but a quantitative blockage study is not attained.

The theoretical work attempts to show the blockage effects of a two-dimensional tunnel upon a circular cylinder of arbitrary size with and without a wake. The potential flow theory is used throughout, and some correlations with the experimental data are indicated.

Thesis Files