The 12-sided test section is 20 ft across by 25 ft tall. Direct observation of the test is available during tunnel operations via panoramic control room windows. Schematic of the 20-Foot Vertical Spin Tunnel flow. The 20-Ft VST dynamic model data acquisition system is a video based system that stores images of free flying models for posttest determination of attitude, position, and rates. The system resides on a unix workstation and uses scientific-grade analog optical disks as storage media.
Data files are output in a spreadsheet format that is convenient for plotting.
The rotary balance data acquisition system is based on a PC desktop platform and is used to acquire and store force, moment, and surface pressure measurement data, as well as for rig motion control. Data output files are stored on disk and can be converted to most standard file formats. Both dynamically scaled and rotary-balance models have highly specialized design and fabrication requirements. As such, requirements specified by cognizant Vehicle Dynamics Branch personnel must be met. In addition, the model installation must have the approval of the facility safety head prior to tunnel operation.