building a smoke generator for aero testing.

[doviatt]

You can also try smoke oil used for acrobatic airplanes.
I fear you will have turbulence and full dispersion way before you will be able to see anything of value. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you though.

[justme1969]

First 2 attempts have failed. perhaps a morerichened formula that I can start with a blow torch will work. Here at factory the forklift tires leave solid trails of expended rubber on floors. if I can compress it or bond it into steel wool then heat up tube with a hand torch it may give solid results that will last 3-5 minutes? I havent given up just rethinking the solution.
I need to get it soon because Im about tired of driving the undieing POS ready for A/C and clean carpets cushie seats etc.

[BamZipPow]

You could just pick up/make an inexpensive fog generator. Halloween is right around the corner and most stores will have something that you could modify fer yer use. Being that it's electronically controlled, you could easily set up yer camera(s) and trigger the fog machine from inside the vehicle.

Of course, you'll probably need an inverter to hook up the machine with...but it would be a lot cheaper than trying an burning setup as the air flow could accelerate the glowing embers.

[BamZipPow]

How about something like this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lG4RlbhSJJ4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilsgMhVEDpo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frSrfMjjC3M

[justme1969]

I have been trying hard to not use a separate combustion chamber but see where it would work. I was trying for a Pitot tube type of effect with miniscule holding device that wouldnt interrupt air flow much... But thanks for putting that up If all else fails copy a known good resolution.

[doviatt]

I believe you will need to accelerate the smoke out of a small streamline tip where the exit speed matches the airspeed you are trying to view. The problem is if it is static/passive smoke, that the turbulence created to suck it into your environment will disperse to the point of being unusable. Plus, think of the concentration of smoke you would need at the airspeed you choose to create a visible line.

[CFECO]

Originally Posted by baldlobo

brake fluid and chlorine

VERY dangerous. I blew myself up once, thank goodness for glasses, and a friends son was killed with this mix.

[Cd]

Originally Posted by doviatt

You can also try smoke oil used for acrobatic airplanes.
I fear you will have turbulence and full dispersion way before you will be able to see anything of value. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you though.

+1 to the acrobatic plane smoke. You might also try a smoke generator used for cinema. HALLOWEEN SMOKE MACHINE - Google Search

The stuff is meant to be safe in enclosed areas and around / people / pets

Another thing that comes to mind is to use a bug fogger. NOT ECO FRIENDLY.

Perhaps instead of spewing poison on your car and behind it, the poison could be replaced by the stage smoke solution.

Also, I just wanted to ask why you would want to do a smoke test, versus a tuft test.
As you can see by looking at smoke testing on various cars, High drag cars have the same smoke patterns as low drag cars.

It takes an expert eye to 'read' the smoke correctly.

[justme1969]

Mixture seems to be as importent as the vortexgenerator after burn chamber.
very touchey in all areas and best result was sub standard. worst result wouldnt stay lighted long enough for air pressure to keep it lit.
I had a few streaming spark runs the last attempt but nothing good enough to feel like posting it here unless others are trying also then Ill give some failed spec's to designs tried.
I wish I could use those old black worms that ya light and they grow and that may be an answer in its own way if re purposed with other additives.

[doviatt]

If I remember right....black snake smoke was laminar for about 3 inches vertical then went turbulent. Even in calm air.
This might work if you are aero testing matchbox cars.