Low-speed wind tunnel
The low-speed wind tunnel makes it possible to validate the results of numerical simulations immediately. This significantly supports and accelerates the development of numerical methods. The Göttingen-type low-speed wind tunnel is used for experimental flow analysis at wind speeds of 1–30 m/s with a very low degree of turbulence. This facilitates the experimental investigation of highly complex flow processes on structural models and components, or component models. The wind tunnel can be operated with either an open or a closed measurement section.
Technical specifications:
- Wind speed: 1–30 m/s (continuously adjustable)
- Turbulence level: 0.5% (closed measurement section), 0.8% (open measurement section)
- Measurement section (L x W x H): 2.50 x 1.30 x 0.80 m
- Compatible with tracer particles
2D laser Doppler anemometer for experimental flow analysis
The 2D laser Doppler anemometer (2D-LDA) is used for experimental flow analysis in the Chair’s low-wind-speed wind tunnel. This optical measurement technique enables physical quantities, such as flow velocities and directions, to be recorded at specific points, non-invasively and at high frequency, as air flows around components in the wind tunnel. This enables the quantification of flow parameters, which serves both the scientifically sound validation of numerical methods and a better understanding of complex flow phenomena. The measurement system consists of the 2D-LDA, with two lasers of different wavelengths and an optical system with a focal length of 800 mm, as well as a 3D scanning system that enables automated data acquisition over a travel range of 1.00 x 1.00 x 1.00 m.
Technical specifications:
- 2D-LDA (2D FlowExplorer with beam expansion)
- Manufacturer: Dantec Dynamics
- Wavelengths: 660 nm / 785 nm
- Laser power: 150 mW
- Focal length of LDA optics: 800 mm
- 3D scanning range 1010 x 1010 x 1010 mm (resolution: 0.00625 mm)
This project, funded by the Free State of Thuringia, was co-financed by the European Union under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Smoke generator with a smoke lance for flow visualisation in experimental flow analysis
Flow processes in a wind tunnel can be visualised by introducing a suitable smoke. This makes it possible to visualise the flow processes dominated by convection and diffusion. Visualisation is achieved by introducing the smoke as finely as possible into the flow using a special lance fitted with nozzles, and then capturing the resulting image. If the smoke is introduced upstream of solid bodies, the flow around them can be visualised, revealing the boundary layer, separation phenomena, reattachment of the flow where applicable, vortices forming and the wake. The smoke generator consists of a fog machine with a compensation tank and a mobile smoke lance with interchangeable nozzles (varying in number and diameter).
Technical specifications:
- Smoke generator for flow visualisation (NV 1250 x 450)
- Manufacturer: Westenberg Wind Tunnels
- Compensating tank: 50 litres
- Mobile smoke lance
- remote-controlled with adjustable smoke output
- Replaceable smoke nozzles
This project, funded by the Free State of Thuringia, was co-financed by the European Union under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Multi-Pressure Measurement System (MPMS) for high-frequency measurement of pressure distributions on model surfaces in experimental flow analysis
When analysing wind loads on load-bearing structures, the pressures and forces acting on them are of particular importance. The pressure component actually acting on the surface varies both spatially and, as a result of transient processes, over time. Integral force quantities do not provide a detailed insight into the pressure distribution and, consequently, the underlying characteristics of the flow. For example, pressure distributions depend significantly on the nature of the boundary layer. The Multi-Pressure Measurement System enables the measurement of distributed surface pressures at several discrete points. The measurement system consists of 32 measurement points that can be integrated into the structure and a pressure scanner module.
Technical specifications:
- Multi-Pressure Measurement System
- Manufacturer: DMT (PSI DTC Initium)
- Measurement points that can be integrated
- Number of measurement channels: 32
- Measurement frequency: up to 650 Hz
This project, funded by the Free State of Thuringia, was co-financed by the European Union under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Aeronautical Engineering
The department has a high-performance fleet of professional Intel Falcon 8 aerial systems, which are used to assess the condition of structures. These drone systems, which are extremely wind-stable and equipped with high-quality camera technology, enable flexible, safe and rapid data collection even in high winds and at close range to the structure. The high-resolution image data can be reused for various applications within the context of structural condition assessment.
Technical specifications:
- Intel Falcon 8 UAVs
- Extremely wind-stable flight system
- AscTec Trinity autopilot
- Flexible payload concept for the use of various payloads
- 360° camera field of view
- GPS- and altitude-controlled flight mode for outdoor and indoor operations
- Automated data generation of structures using GPS-assisted navigation
Payloads:
- Sony Alpha 7R (system camera with 35 mm lens, 36 x 24 mm full-frame sensor, 36 MP)
- Sony HDR-PJ810E camcorder (Full HD video camera, 24 MP, 12x optical zoom)
- Inspection payload: Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ71 + FLIR TAU 2 640 IR camera
Sensory laboratory
In the “Laboratory for Building Sensor Technology and Data Analysis” – or “Sensor Laboratory” for short – students and researchers can develop and test innovative concepts in sensor technology, modelling and data analysis in international, interdisciplinary teams. To this end, the Sensorics Laboratory provides state-of-the-art components – such as programmable sensors and computer servers for modelling and data analysis – which can be used in both research and teaching. In particular, the Sensor Laboratory supports projects relating to key areas of digitalisation, such as intelligent sensor networks, ‘smart structures’, Building Information Modelling, mobile/contactless building monitoring, adaptive structural systems and sensor-based decision support.
The Sensors Laboratory was jointly established by the chairs of Computer Science in Civil Engineering, Modelling and Simulation – Design, and Steel and Hybrid Structures.
Further information
Testing facilities (VTE) comprising a test hall, testing laboratories and workshops
The Experimental Testing Facility (VTE), which is affiliated with the Institute of Structural Engineering, provides the Chair with a highly capable partner for carrying out experimental tests that can assist in the validation and calibration of analytical and numerical models, both newly developed and further refined. The VTE is closely linked to the Chair through its Director, Ralf Kaufmann, and its Scientific Director, Prof. Guido Morgenthal.
Further information