Once the best durable hydrophobic coatings for insect mitigation are selected,
two types of validation tests will be performed :
TESTS IN WIND TUNNELS
TESTS WITH DRONES
COLD WIND TUNNEL facility (CWT-1) at the von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics can achieve maximum flow from velocities of 65m/s within seconds. Running in a close-loop configuration, it can work at flow temperatures as low as -30°C. Additionnally, large double-glazing walls at the test section provide optical access for flow visualization.
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VKI L1-A WIND TUNNEL
The wind tunnel tests have been performed in the open test section of the VKI low-speed wind tunnel L1-A (Figure 1). This free jet test section measures 3m diameter and 4.5m length. The contra-rotating fans of this facility are driven by a variable speed DC motor of 580 kW, allowing a continuous variation of velocity from 2 to 60 m/s. The contraction ratio is 4 with a typical turbulence level of 0.3%.
The open-jet test section may also be equipped with a flat plate/turntable system including means for atmospheric wind simulation to be used for tests on ground structures and on environmental problems. Also available for the needs of special applications are a number of multi-component strain gauge balances, instrumentation for the measurement and recording of pressure and flow characteristics, including three-dimensional velocity measurements in wakes, and flow visualization methods.
Low-speed wind tunnel L1-A on the leading edge of a wing model
This movie shows tests on the final coatings, selected in the project, which are being performed in the VKI low-speed wind tunnel L1-A on the leading edge of a wing model. The same samples will be used for field tests with drones in 2021.
The objective behind these wind tunnel tests is to analyze the behavior, residue area and residue height of insects (muscidae and drosophila - here injected at the same time) impacting on the different substrates. This test was done at 50m/s.
The technology developed in the CHOPIN project will soon be tested in a realistic environment by using drones flying through swarms of insects. The scientists can validate the performance of the coatings by comparing insect adhesion between a coated and non-coated part of the samples.