文档介绍：Design of a Wind Tunnel Facility for Hands-on Use by Beginning Engineering Students
J. Matthew Cunnington, Levi J. Westra, Steven W. Beyerlein,
Ralph S. Budwig, Donald F. Elger
University of Idaho
Mechanical Engineering
Moscow, ID 83844-0902
Abstract
The best way to learn engineering is by doing engineering. To foster appropriate types of experiential learning, we have created a unique project called a Design for Lifetime Learning (DL2) project. This paper addresses one element of this overall effort—the design and construction of a wind tunnel facility to support hands-on learning by beginning engineering students. The wind tunnel facility was designed so each student can operate the tunnel with less than ten minutes of training. The wind tunnel, powered by a 37 kW motor, can generate air velocities of 70 m/s in the 45-cm square test-section. A state-of-the-art electronic force balance provides lift, drag, and pitching moment data. The control and instrumentation systems are designed to promote ease of use. Assessment data from students participating in a pre-college summer camp indicated that the wind tunnel was easy to use and that the wind tunnel enhanced the students’ educational experience.
Introduction
Training leads to desired behaviors. When a professor teaches so a student can get the correct answer on an engineering problem, this is training. Meaningful learning leads to a change in the meaning of experience, which is a fundamental shift in the point-of-view of the learner5. To promote meaningful learning, we have created a unique project called a Design for Lifetime Learning (DL2) project2. One element of this overall effort is the design and construction of a wind tunnel facility. In this context, learning involves typical skills such as engineering documentation in a lab notebook, use of math and scientific concepts, and creation of an appropriate procedure for acquiring data. Also, the learning is structured to foster teamwork, to help studen