Classroom Wind Tunnel Measurements for Drag Coefficient Calculation

Learn to calculate drag coefficients using wind tunnel testing in this 11-minute instructional video from an aerospace engineering class. Observe Dr. Garrett Love demonstrate the complete process of measuring drag forces on five different geometric shapes using a small-scale wind tunnel. Watch as each sample is measured for spatial dimensions, mounted in the testing chamber, and subjected to incrementally increasing wind speeds while recording corresponding drag force measurements displayed on a digital readout in grams and wind speed values from a manometer in units of 1000 feet per second. Follow the systematic data collection process across 8-10 wind speed increments for each geometric shape, with appropriate pauses for observation and recording. Apply the collected geometric and airstream data to calculate drag reference areas and generate unscaled drag values using the drag equation D = Cd * A * .5 * ρ * V², utilizing the provided air density value of 1.18 kilograms per cubic meter. Create linear relationships by plotting unscaled drag values against measured drag force responses to determine the coefficient of drag for the testing system, demonstrating fundamental principles of aerodynamic testing and data analysis in aerospace engineering applications.