OpenCircuitWindkanäle

Open-circuit wind tunnels are a type of aerodynamic testing facility characterized by a unidirectional flow of air that is not recirculated. In an open-circuit wind tunnel, air is drawn in from the surroundings, accelerated through a test section, and then exhausted back into the atmosphere. This design contrasts with closed-circuit or recirculating wind tunnels, where the air is returned to the fan and reused.

The primary advantage of an open-circuit design is its simplicity and lower initial cost. The absence of complex ducting and heat exchangers required for recirculation makes it less expensive to build and maintain. They are also typically easier to operate and require less space.

However, open-circuit wind tunnels have some inherent limitations. The performance is dependent on ambient atmospheric conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and humidity, which can vary and affect test results. The cost of energy consumption can be higher because fresh air must be continuously supplied and accelerated. Furthermore, noise levels can be significant due to the direct discharge of air into the environment.

Despite these drawbacks, open-circuit wind tunnels are widely used for various applications, particularly for educational purposes, preliminary design studies, and testing models where precise control over atmospheric conditions is not critical. They are a valuable tool for understanding basic aerodynamic principles and conducting initial investigations into the behavior of airflows around objects.