French dedicate wind tunnels for research

On July 1, representatives of Renault, PSA Peugeot Citroën, and the Conservatoire National des Arts et Metiers (CNAM) dedicated two automotive aeroacoustic wind tunnels in the city of Saint-Cyr l'Ecole in the Yvelines region of France. The wind tunnels required an investment of more than 36 million Euros, financed up to two-thirds by the two automakers and one-third by public funding (Ref. 1).

Both public and private research laboratories can use the wind-tunnel facility, which is located next to CNAM's Aerotechnical Institute. With the wind tunnels, researchers will be able to reproduce the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic conditions that automobiles must endure. The tests they perform in the tunnels will enable them to:

• reduce aerodynamic drag in order to reduce fuel consumption and the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere;
• reduce aerodynamic noise, making the vehicle more comfortable for the driver and passengers; and
• improve vehicle safety by increasing the dynamic stability of vehicles and lessening the effects of side winds.

This full-scale wind tunnel can accommodate entire vehicles. Pictures here is a Citroën, but the tunnel will also hold vehicles as large as a minivan. Courtesy of French Technology Press Office.

An observation window, located in the floor of the plenum behind the turntable, will enable researchers to observe flows under the vehicle. The tunnel walls absorb sound, making it possible to measure noise inside and outside the vehicle.

The second wind tunnel has an effective opening of 41.3 ft.² (8.6x4.8) and a three-quarters-open jet. Researchers will use this tunnel solely for aerodynamic testing. It is equipped with a scale for measuring aerodynamic forces at wind velocities up to 149 mph.

For information on how to schedule test time, contact Manuel Gonzalez, manuel.Gonzalez.a-c@gies2a.fr. The cost of an 8-hr session is 15,500 Euros (about $17,425).