Tech Explained | Flow viz
In modern racing aerodynamics, more research and development is currently invested in numerical methods such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as computing technology and capability continue to improve. However, wind tunnels remain an invaluable tool for examining and optimizing flow features for aerodynamic performance and capturing data for correlation studies.
Two colours of flow viz were used on the Williams front wing at Hungary testing this year
To better understand the nature of these flow fields during wind tunnel and on-track testing, the flow can be ?visualised? by using a dye, smoke or pigment in the airflow near the area under investigation. This helps to reveal details of flow behaviour such as the direction of streamlines and flow separation from the surface. This flow visualisation can be divided into two categories: 1) Surface visualisation and 2) Off-surface visualisation
Surface-visualisation is where tufts, fluorescent dye (such as Flow viz), oil and special clay mixtures are applied to the surface of a model or car. By visually inspecting these tufts and coatings after several runs, engineers can gain valuable information on the state of the boundary layer, transition and separation.
Off-surface visualisation involves the use of tracers such as smoke particles, oil droplets or helium-filled soap bubbles, which provide information about the flow phenomenon?s occurring away from the model?s surface. Each of these methods...