Stuff You Should Know Wind Tunnels: More Important Than You Realize
Oct 13, 2020
Wind tunnels played a pivotal role in the development of aviation, helping early pioneers solve the mysteries of flight. They’re not just for planes, though; these marvels are crucial for everything from wind turbines to microchips. The hosts share entertaining anecdotes about their experiences with wind tunnels, blending humor with fascinating facts on their historical significance. Discover how these structures revolutionized engineering and understand the math and technology behind them, revealing their profound impact on our world.
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Wind Tunnel Commercial
- Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant were once in a vertical wind tunnel for a Toyota commercial.
- They had to maintain a conversation while experiencing the tunnel's forces, demonstrating how challenging it is to control one's body in such an environment.
Aerodynamics and Wind Tunnels
- Wind tunnels are crucial for studying aerodynamics, the flow of air/gases over objects.
- They simulate real-world movement into wind by keeping the object stationary and moving the air.
Early Flight and Birds
- Early attempts at human flight focused on mimicking bird flight.
- Researchers initially believed that flapping wings were essential, but later realized the importance of lift and drag.