chapter hangar
of the model (along with considerable
ballast to balance the aircraft). For easy
recharging access, and due to model
space and balance limitations, the
battery pack was mounted externally,
below the test section.
Because of the relatively low airspeed
in the wind tunnel, the control surfaces
were made slightly larger than scale to
ensure that the model would respond
aggressively to control deflections. The
model was supported on a vertical rod
near the mid-point of the test section by
a gimbal that allows large pitch and roll
excursions (roughly 30 degrees in each
direction). A standard RC transmitter
puts the flight controls in the hands of the “pilot”
standing alongside of the wind tunnel.
The Chapter 526 “open circuit” (or “open return”)
wind tunnel was made to look like wind tunnels in use by
the aviation industry, universities, and the government
for low-speed aerodynamic research. The major elements
of the wind tunnel structure are the contraction (inlet)
nozzle, the test section (where the model is mounted),
and the diffuser (exhaust or expansion) nozzle. These
The high-wing light aircraft model features remotely activated
aileron and elevator control surfaces.
Young Eagle Andrew Pisarek controls the wind tunnel model
during a recent Young Eagles day.
sections and the support stands can be easily disassembled
to facilitate transportation. A 30-inch diameter, 1/2 hp
industrial pedestal fan was mounted at the end of the
diffuser nozzle. The placement of the fan in the diffuser,
rather than in the inlet nozzle, was selected to reduce
the fan-induced turbulence and swirl effects in the test
section. To accommodate a reasonably large airplane
model, the test section is 21 inches wide and 15 inches
high. Plexiglas side walls allow the model to be viewed.
The wind tunnel has turned out to be an entertaining
and effective teaching tool. Both Young Eagles and
parents are invited to see the effect of control surface
deflections on the airplane model and to try their hand
at putting the airplane in a climb, descent, roll left, roll
right, or straight-and-level attitude. The Young Eagles
are also told to notice the aileron deflections while
turning during their flight, and they come away with a
good understanding of the fundamental mechanism of
flight control. We know we’ve connected with the kids
when they conclude their wind tunnel “lesson” with a
“wow” or “neat.”
For further information on the Chapter 526 wind tunnel,
contact Marty Maisel at martymf@starstream.net.
From Your Newsletters
50 Celebrates 50
EAA Chapter 50 celebrated its 50th anniversary in
March. The Sandusky (Ohio)-area chapter holds a
monthly fly-in or meeting, puts on a fly-in/drive-in
breakfast each August, and has hosted EAA’s Ford
Tri-Motor twice. It also sponsors events to qualify
Boy Scouts for the Aviation merit badge twice a year.
This year two $750 scholarships were awarded to
area high school seniors, and a donation was made to
Mercy Flights. Chapter Secretary Ben Gleason reports
the chapter is “constantly looking to improve our
relationship with the area residents as we promote
safety and positive public works!”
Congratulations, Chapter 50—keep up the good work!
