wind tunnel

A wind tunnel of open-circuit configuration designed specifically for building aerodynamics is described and its performance is discussed. It has a working section 2 m wide x 1 m high x 8 m long with a maximum wind speed of 20 m/sec under

Describes wind tunnel experiments on 3-dimensional flow around whole building formations. The pressure distribution on an isolated building with flow over the whole angular range was investigated. This was followed by examination of interference between high buildings of unequal height.

The use of lightwells and courtyards for natural ventilation in high-rise buildings is exaimed using both wind tunnel and field measurements of the pressures and neutral pressure zone caused by wind and temperature differences. Though air flow patterns are complex for complex building designs, air exchange rates in lightwells and courtyards were generally seen great enough to assure clean air for natural ventilation via air infiltration. However the cost of land in urban settings will probably make mechanical ventilation systems the economic choice.

The study, carried out in an atmospheric wind tunnel (reproduction of natural wind conditions, particularly turbulence), quantifies wind flows around built-up obstacles in their realistic location context, and the associated pressure fields. For various types of buildings (detached house, block of flats), the article presents in illustrated form the chart of these flows and pressures in general (mean values, standard deviations, extreme values), but deals more specifically with the wind resistance of solar collectors.

This paper outlines the living conditions that can occur in the proximity of buildings and the significance of the wind velocities that can be established, for example for shopping centres when these include high-rise buildings or for patio schools when these are to be suitable for education in the open air. It also illustrates how natural ventilation in the building occurs and describes the influence of the wind on mechanical ventilation systems.

The mean and dynamic internal and external pressures of an existing building (tennis hall) and a model of the building were measured and compared. Asystematic examination was made of the effects on wind-induced internal pressure in simple geometric models of flow profile, wind direction, building dimensions, openings and leakiness. Suggestions are proposed for changes to DIN 1055 Part 4. The Canadian, American, British and Swiss Standards on wind loads are compared.

The distribution and level of pressures due to the wind on the external faces of buildings condition the working of ventilation systems and hence the thermal losses. This article presents the results of wind-tunnel experiments imitating natural wind, in the form of a "mapping" of the mean pressure coefficients exerted on the ordinary forms of dwelling. Attention is also given to the local effects on extraction outlets on flat roofs.

Wind tunnel tests were carried out using models of fallout shelters to determine correlations between shelter ventilation rate, area and distribution of wall openings, and wind speed and its direction relative to the orientation of the shelter. Models of bermed shelters with five different opening configurations were used in these tests. A simple correlation was formulated between the shelter ventilation rate, the total area of windward openings, the ratio of leeward to windward opening areas, and the velocity of the approach wind.

Reliable surface pressure and indoor wind speed data from model buildings in boundary layer wind tunnels can only be expected if appropriate modeling parameters are considered carefully. Modeling parameters to examine when planning boundary layer wind tunnel studies of indoor airflow and external surface pressures due to wind are identified, and criteria for assessment are suggested.

Two techniques for estimating natural wind airflow through buildings for comfort cooling utilizing data derived from boundary layer wind tunnel studies are presented. One method is based on pressure and discharge coefficients. The other uses wind speed coefficients determined from model studies in a boundary layer wind tunnel.