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Old 10-25-2013, 02:49 AM   #2 (permalink)
P-hack
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meh, would rather see an open source wind tunnel. There are a few free fluid modelling/CFD programs out there too. business schmisness.

i.e. Science Buddies: How to Build and Use a Subsonic Wind Tunnel
The main value in an actual wind tunnel is in validating the total drag force (with a simple load cell), and with a blob of clay you can do lots of experiments quickly and see what works and what doesn't. Then just 3d scan it to digitize it or do a whole lot of measuring and writing.

It isn't terribly exciting technology wise to build an actual wind tunnel and start experimenting. The learning curve for CFD on the other hand is oppressive.
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