By School of Engineering and Technology
10 May 2024: On 17 April 2024, students from the Structural Engineering program at the School of Engineering and Technology, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), accompanied by Prof. Pennung Warnitchai, visited the wind tunnel facility. This wind tunnel, located at Thammasat University is a collaborative endeavor between AIT and Thammasat, serving as their joint commitment to cutting-edge engineering research and innovation.
Figure 1: The Wind Tunnel
The purpose of the visit was to provide students with hands-on exposure to the intricacies of wind tunnel testing, a crucial aspect of structural engineering research and design. Led by Prof. Pennung, renowned for his expertise in the field, the students delved into the operational mechanisms and technical aspects of the wind tunnel.
Figure 2: STE students inside the testing area of the wind tunnel
Constructed within the premises of Thammasat University, the wind tunnel is a state-of-the-art facility equipped to simulate various wind conditions and velocities. This capability enables researchers and engineers to conduct comprehensive aerodynamic studies, crucial for optimizing the performance and safety of structures ranging from buildings to bridges. Prof. Pennung elaborated on the intricacies of the wind tunnel, highlighting its significance in aerodynamic research. He emphasized that wind tunnels are sophisticated machines designed to simulate airflow around objects, enabling engineers to study their aerodynamic properties.
Figure 3: Prof. Pennung explaining students about the structural properties of wind tunnel
By holding a model stationary inside a tube and blowing air around it, wind tunnels facilitate the investigation of the interaction between the object and the surrounding air. This process allows researchers to analyze factors such as lift, drag, and airflow patterns, essential for designing efficient and safe structures, including buildings, bridges, and vehicles.
Furthermore, Prof. Pennung discussed the key components of a wind tunnel, including the test section, contraction cone, settling chamber, and fan system. The test section is where the object under study is placed, while the contraction cone accelerates the airflow to achieve desired velocities. The settling chamber helps stabilize the airflow, ensuring uniform conditions for accurate testing, and the fan system generates the airflow required for simulation. Through this comprehensive setup, wind tunnels serve as invaluable tools for engineers and researchers to refine designs, optimize performance, and enhance the safety of various structures in the face of dynamic wind forces.
Figure 4: Prof. Pennung explaining about the wind tunnel
Prof. Pennung’s detailed explanation of wind tunnel testing and its applications in structural engineering provides students with a solid foundation for comprehending the intricate effects of wind on buildings and bridges. By delving into the operational mechanisms of wind tunnels and emphasizing their role in simulating airflow around objects, students gain insight into how wind interacts with various structural elements. This understanding is pivotal for students as it enables them to analyze factors such as aerodynamic forces, pressure distributions, and vortex shedding, which directly affect the stability and performance of buildings and bridges. Prof. Pennung’s expertise in structural dynamics and bridge engineering further enriches students’ learning experience, allowing them to grasp the complexities of wind effects on structures and develop effective design strategies to mitigate potential risks and optimize structural resilience. Overall, his explanation teaches students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, fostering their ability to design safer and more resilient structures capable of withstanding dynamic wind forces.
Figure 5: Prof. Pennung explaining about the data acquisition process from the tunnel at the wind tunnel control room
A wind tunnel is quite effective in sustainable design of Civil Infrastructure and addresses the three major SDG goals in the field: Goal (9) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities and (17) Partnership for the Goals. Other than these, the wind tunnel also addresses two other goals in different field: Goal (7) Affordable and Clean Energy and Goal (13) Climate Action
The collaborative endeavor between AIT and Thammasat University signifies a commitment to advancing engineering education and research. The wind tunnel serves as a beacon of innovation, offering students a hands-on approach to understanding complex engineering phenomena. Such initiatives not only enrich academic experiences but also pave the way for future breakthroughs in structural engineering and beyond.
Figure 6 : STE students with Prof. Pennung inside the testing area of the wind tunnel
You can read more about wind tunnel testing here
