Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
We are beginning individual analyses, consisting of material research, heat transfer and stagnation point flow analyses, and preliminary component design.
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Decided on RTDs for temperature sensors
Confirmed uniform velocity profile in wind tunnel - wind tunnel geometry does not need to be changed drastically (may need to be larger depending on copper plate dimensions)
Determined new experimental tunnel setup to accomplish stagnation point flow analysis
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
Begin presentation for week 2
Research insulation material for heated plate (Tian)
Research heat source and copper plate size (Liz)
Design fixture for holding copper plate in the middle of the wind tunnel for both stagnation point flow and flow over flat plate (Austin)
Design fixture for holding anemometer inside the wind tunnel (Anthony)
Purchase heat source and RTDs for testing and calibration (Tian)
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments
Professor Seshadri prefers the experiment to test stagnation point flow rather than flow over a flat plate. He wants to see an initial design by Friday of week 1. We have geared our individual analyses to satisfy these new experiment requirements.
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments
Dr. T suggested meeting with Professor Seshadri to clarify the specific project requirements and priorities. We met with Seshadri and have selected individual analyses in order to satisfy the discussed requirements.
Dr. T said he would provide the circuit diagram necessary for signal conditioning of the RTDs. We will contact Dr. T by the end of week 1, with RTDs chosen and ordered to come by week 2.
Risks and Areas of Concern
Is it acceptable to use a temperature controlling heat pad for the experiment?
It is difficult to find a power supply/converter that also reads out the power consumption (does a device like this exist?) Can we get the amperage and voltage data from something other than a DMM?
Current fan sucks air. This may have to be swapped with a fan that blows air in order to meet requirements of stagnation point flow test
What R-value is necessary for the insulation material for the heat transfer between the insulation and the copper plate to be negligible?
Depending on the insulation material chosen, what options are available for attachment to the copper plate and to the plate-holding mechanism.