Author(s)

Ch. Sreenadh, A. Sanz-Andrés, S. Franchini& F. Navarro-Medina

Abstract

The gust wind tunnel at IDR, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), has been enhanced and the impact of the modification has been characterized. Several flow quality configurations have been tested. The problems in measuring gusty winds with Pitot tubes have been considered. Experimental results have been obtained and compared with theoretically calculated results (based on potential flow theory). A theoretical correction term has been proposed for unsteady flow measurements obtained with Pitot tubes. The effect of unsteady flow on structures and laying bodies on the ground has been also considered. A theoretical model has been proposed for a semi-circular cylinder and experimental tests have been performed to study the unsteady flow effects, which can help in clarifying the phenomenon. Keywords: hot wire anemometer, gust wind flow, Pitot tube measurements, gust wind tunnel correction factor for Pitot tubes, unsteady flow measurements, ballast pickup, influence of gusty winds, gust characterization, unsteady flow’s effects on structures.

Keywords

Keywords: hot wire anemometer, gust wind flow, Pitot tube measurements, gust wind tunnel correction factor for Pitot tubes, unsteady flow measurements, ballast pickup, influence of gusty winds, gust characterization, unsteady flow’s effects on structur