A portable, desktop wind tunnel for in-class demonstrations

Wind tunnels are a key source of data collection, but have been out of reach for typical in-class

demonstrations because of their cost and size. Here we propose a design for a cost-effective

desktop wind tunnel. This design takes advantage of readily available, inexpensive materials.

Special consideration was taken to allow the wind tunnel to be serviceable, as well as giving the

operator the ability to change key features without a complete redesign. There are three main

sections, the first being a fan enclosure, which holds seven ducted fans in a hexagonal array.

The second section holds honeycomb flow straighteners, and provides an enclosed volume

suitable for larger, lower-speed experiments. The third section is a contraction, terminating in a

2” x 2”, higher-speed square section. The wind tunnel has a footprint of approximately 13.5” x

5.5” , making it small enough to be portable and to fit on a desk. An off-the-shelf masked

stereolithography apparatus (MSLA) 3D printer was used to prepare the parts. This allows the

wind tunnel to be built for under $450; even including the cost of a 3D printer, the overall cost

remains under $1,000. This design is able to produce flow at up to 75 mph, enabling a variety of

aerodynamic demonstrations.