Studies using wind tunnel to simulate the Atmospheric Boundary Layer at the Alcantara Space Center

Author(s)

Bassi Marinho, Luciana P. ; Avelar, Ana Cristina ; Fisch, Gilberto ; Roballo, Suelen T. ; Souza, Leandro Franco ; Gielow, Ralf ; Girardi, Roberto da Mota

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF AEROSPACE TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT; v. 1, n. 1, p. 8-pg., 2009-01-01.

Abstract

The Alceintara Space Center (ASC) region has a peculiar topography due to the existence of a coastal cliff, which modifies the atmospheric boundary layer characteristic in a way that can affect rocket launching operations. Wind tunnel measurements can be an important tool for the understanding of turbulence and wind flow pattern characteristics in the ASC neighborhood, along with computational fluid dynamics and observational data. The purpose of this paper is to describe wind tunnel experiments that have been carried out by researchers from the Brazilian Institutions IAE, ITA and INPE. The technologies of Hot-Wire Anemometer and Particle Image Velocimetry (MY) have been used in these measurements, in order to obtain information about windflow patterns as velocity fields and vorticity. The wind tunnel measurements are described and the results obtained are presented. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 04/16064-9 - Mechanics of non-stationary fluids: applications in aeronautics and rheology
• Grantee: José Alberto Cuminato
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants