Work

Affordable aerodynamic testing by repurposing legacy equipment for engineering education

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study presents a novel approach to enhance the educational utility of small-scale wind tunnels through low-cost instrumentation and automation. A legacy Plint TE80 vertical smoke tunnel was repurposed using consumer-grade components to enable automated measurement of aerodynamic properties. Two experimental methodologies were implemented to calculate drag coefficients: the Wake Momentum Deficit Principle and the Surface Pressure Distribution Method, using a NACA0012 airfoil and a cylindrical model. The system achieved drag coefficient measurements within 2% of literature values, demonstrating its viability for educational use. Beyond technical validation, the project addresses broader educational challenges: limited access to high-cost aerodynamic facilities, especially in low-resource settings. By demonstrating that legacy equipment can be modernised affordably (less than 200 GBP) and effectively, this work supports the integration of hands-on experimentation into engineering curricula. This case study underscores the potential of accessible instrumentation to enrich fluid dynamics education and foster deeper student engagement with experimental methods.

Source: International Journal of Mechanical Engineering Education

DOI: 10.1177/03064190261433246

Authors: James Clover, Marco Bernagozzi, Idil Fenercioglu-Aydin

Institution: University of Brighton

Language: English

Topic: Experimental Learning in Engineering

Subfield: Media Technology

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,150