Can anyone tell me if this is a piece of art or is a computational model of some sort?
Posted by Quaath@reddit | aviation | View on Reddit | 12 comments
This was found in my grandfather's possessions who used to work for as an engineer for one of the big companies designing jet parts with wind tunnels. Does this look like something that could've had to do with that work or is this a work or art? Thanks
Quaath@reddit (OP)
Sweet thank you!!
exurl@reddit
this is a wind tunnel model; the artifact in the rear is the sting mount. The coloring is some sort of surface flow visualization (oil?).
HokieAero@reddit
It looks like a photo of a wind tunnel model, with flow viz dyes. Based on the #2 engine mounted on the tail, this is likely a DC10 rather than an L1011. So this is way too old for it to be a graphical representation of a computation flow calculation.
Quaath@reddit (OP)
Awesome thank you!
Peter_Merlin@reddit
Colored dyes are used with models for airflow visualization. The same thing can be done with a model airplane in a water tunnel because both air and water are fluids.
Quaath@reddit (OP)
Ah so this may be a photograph?
Peter_Merlin@reddit
Yes, it's a photograph of a test model. Some sort of airliner.
GryphonGuitar@reddit
A DC-10 I'd wager. An L1011 has a slightly swept inboard trailing edge whereas the DC-10 is dead straight, like this one.
Peter_Merlin@reddit
Hard to tell since the model lacks any engines. It may be a generic shape.
Quaath@reddit (OP)
Really cool. Thanks
PicnicBasketPirate@reddit
It can be both. https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/hwb_oil_visualization_larc_2013.jpg
There are a numerous different techniques for visualising air flow and air pressure across a body.
My best guess is this is a photo of surface oil flow test at a small yaw angle. I could be entirely wrong but thats my best guess.
The model was set up in a wind tunnel and drops of coloured viscous oil were placed along the fuselage at key points. The tunnel was spun up and the oil spread patterns were observed and photographed.
Quaath@reddit (OP)
That's so cool. Thanks!