Braunschweig Icing Wind Tunnel

Braunschweig Icing Wind Tunnel

Overview

The ice and multi-phase wind tunnel Braunschweig (Braunschweig Icing Wind Tunnel BIWT) is a Göttingen type of wind tunnel with a test section cross-section of 0.5m x 0.5m. The maximum speed is 40m/s, the duct temperature can be regulated between -20°C and 30°C. The wind tunnel has a spray system for injecting water droplets, as well as a system for introducing naturally growing ice crystals for freezing experiments with supercooled water droplets, ice crystals and mixed phase conditions.

IWT

Working Principle

The BIWT is a Göttingen type of wind tunnel, which is equipped for the investigation of multiphase flows and icing. In the modular, closed test section, tests on profiles, probes, but also vehicle parts can be carried out. The refrigeration system ensures constant temperatures down to -20°C. Two spray systems provide droplets with different diameters, with which investigations into droplet freezing are possible. A system for blowing in artificially generated ice crystals enables the investigation of ice crystal freezing on warm surfaces. A detailed publication on the BIWT can be found here.

Eiskanal_Schema

For more information regarding in-house measurement techniques and in collaboration with industrial partners, please follow this link.

Technical Data of the Wind Tunnel

Geometric Data:  

  • Test section size 500 mm x 500 mm x 1500 mm

Flow quality data:

  • Max. Speed ​​U = 40 m / s
  • Tu = max. 1.4% at 40 m / s

Performance Data:

  • Motor power P = 30 kW
  • Thermal output of the refrigeration system P = 80 kW

Icing systems:

  • dual spray system consisting of 30 + 6 nozzles in 5 rows
  • MVD from 8µm-60µm (20µm-300µm)
  • LWC from 0.1 g/m³ - 1.5 g/m³, depending on the droplet size
  • conditions meet FAA 14 CFR Part 25, App.C and App.O

Measurement Techniques

  • Standard wind tunnel instrumentation: speed, temperatures, humidity and static pressure
  • Standard instrumentation spray system: pressure sensors for water and air, temperature sensors for water and heating, filling levels and volume flows
  • Data acquisition with 50 channels for recording temperature signals
  • High-resolution video cameras, high-speed cameras with adapted intensive lighting to record the icing processes
  • Optical measurement technology for capturing and digitizing 3D ice structures
  • Cast and mold techniques for the permanent preservation of ice structures
  • Optical measurement techniques for detecting droplets: Shadowgraphy, PIV

Contact:

Dr. Mariachiara Gallia
Phone: +49 0531 391-94231
mariachiara.gallia[a]tu-braunschweig.de

Additional Information

Are you interested in a measurement in the Braunschweig icing wind tunnel?

 

Here you can find further information on interfaces, possible measuring points, etc.