Hyperloop Wind Tunnel

Here is CAD I created of a force balance using SolidWorks. This is currently being used for wind tunnel testing of a hyperloop pod, at University of Waterloo's Hyperloop Team Waterloop.

This is the interior of the force balance. There are three load cells to measure drag force, lift force, and pitching moment. The load cells are held in place with bearings to allow the necessary degrees of freedom.

Here the hyperloop shell model sitting on top of the full sized shell. The shell was sized ensuring the blockage ratio in the wind tunnel would remain under 15% to reduce wall effects, potential increases in velocity around the model. The model was 3D printed then painted and sanded to maintain a very low friction factor. This was necessary in order to duplicate the full sized model's conditions.

Below is the wind tunnel. The goal air speed was found by matching Reynold's numbers.

Hyperloop Wind Tunnel Testing Preparation

2022