Wind Tunnel dimensions

Hello to all,

I would like to ask if the dimensions of the virtual “Wind Tunnel” affects the result on any incompressive flow simulation, and if there is any stantard way to determine a “Wind Tunnel”.

Hi @uu885297 , yes, the wind tunnel size will play a vital role in the accuracy of results if too small.

We should perform a study on wind tunnel size, much like we do on the mesh, to determine at what size a wind tunnel needs to be so, as to not influence results significantly. For example, make 3 simulations, a small, moderate and large wind tunnel and determine if the moderate wind tunnel has similar results to the large one, and are the differences significant. From there you can go bigger and smaller.

As a starting point, we give a rule of thumb for external aerodynamics of 5 reference lengths. Depending on the application and use, you may need more or less, but use it as a start and get a feel for how much you need for your application. A reference length in aerodynamics can be many things, usually, the thing you use to calculate Reynolds number, i.e. cord length for 2D aerofoils.

Best,
Darren

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