Invention: The University of Florida is seeking companies interested in commercializing a highly efficient non-mechanical wind tunnel. Wind tunnels are traditionally used to simulate air flow over models of airplanes or other aerospace technologies. This allows scientists to measure lift drag and other parameters of these technologies before going into mass production. Although wind tunnels can produce air flow at many desired speeds challenges with controlling and minimizing unwanted vibrations especially at low speeds are commonplace with devices available now. Researchers at the University of Florida have corrected this issue and further improved upon wind tunnel designs by creating a non-mechanical plasma-run device for low speed testing. The technology propels air by using plasma electrodes to create a current through the wind tunnel offering uniform flow of air within it further improving the effectiveness of readings. Additionally this technology can be produced at a size much smaller than current tunnels and has a simple yet efficient means of controlling different levels of air flow increasing precision and accuracy of tests. Its unique design makes it a more efficient cost-effective solution for challenges facing the aerospace industry. Technology: The proposed technology is designed to induce fluid flow in a wind tunnel with the use of plasma actuators. With a pair of electrodes positioned on at least one surface of the flow passage voltage is applied across them and a resulting plasma discharge creates uniform flow of air throughout the device. This small-scale wind tunnel reduces mechanical vibrations and improves the overall effectiveness of wind-tunnel testing. The flow induced by the plasma actuators may easily be varied with extreme accuracy by controlling the applied voltage and powering frequency across each actuator. The wind tunnel is well-suited to both macro- and micro-scale studies and offers tremendous application potential in the energy and aerospace industries. Application: Improved wind tunnel for use in aerospace development
1) Provides uniform air flow throughout the tunnel increasing accuracy of readings 2) Eliminates unwanted mechanical vibrations increasing the effectiveness of testing 3) Smaller than current devices offering unparalleled potential in both aerospace and automotive development