Wind Tunnels
The Structural Aerodynamics Laboratory (UADinE) is part of the Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics Unit, which is integrated in LNEC Structures Department.
Field of expertise
UADinE develops its main activity in the wind actions domain, using wind tunnels with complementary characteristics allowing the execution of a wide range of tests on reduced scale models.
Testing
Aeronautical - Wind tunnel tests
Closed loop tunnel with a 3 m × 1.2 m × 1 m test chamber, either closed or open. It is equipped with a frequency controlled axial fan allowing a continuous variation in flow velocity from 0 to 45 m/s, with a turbulence <1%.
Boundary-layer - Wind tunnel tests
Open loop tunnel with a 9 m × 3 m × 2 m closed test chamber and a variable roof slope. It has six axial fans individually controlled, including two of them by specific frequency inverters allowing a global continuous variation in flow velocity from 0 to 18 m/s.
Open jet - Wind tunnel tests
Tunnel with 1.6 m in diameter discharging to an open space. It is equipped with a frequency controlled axial fan allowing a continuous variation in flow velocity from 0 to 16 m/s.
Other services
UADinE scientific activity, providing an assisted development of optimized solutions, is conducted on several wind action related subjects, such as the assessment of:
- behaviour of building structures and façade elements;
- aerodynamic stability of bridges;
- pedestrian comfort and safety in open spaces;
- vibrations induced on towers and chimneys;
- aerodynamic behaviour of vehicles;
- building ventilation conditions;
- wind power potential
Additionally, UADinE performs standard anemometer calibrations.