SESSION 4 - Remotely Controlled Wind Tunnels via the Internet to Facilitate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Education at all Levels.

Mr. Jack Gilbert, President and Mr. Kurt Veggeeberg, Business Development Manager

SESSION 4 - MechNet Inc / GDJ Inc

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MechNet Inc. is starting a new and innovative service to allow Schools and Universities to operate research grade wind tunnels via the Internet. Multiple FLOTEK wind tunnels manufactured by GDJ Inc. will be equipped with a wide range of models such as wind turbine blades, different NACA profile airfoils, venturis, golf balls, and so on. The wind tunnels will interface to a state-of-the-art system based on National Instruments hardware and LabVIEW, which will control the wind tunnel and display performance data. The application was developed by Viewpoint Systems. Students will be able to conduct comprehensive experiments remotely. Interactivity will include adjustable test section velocity and airfoil angle attack, real time updates of data and set points, and audio and video to enhance realism. This system will provide a hands-on approach to teaching math and science. Coupling an aerodynamics curriculum with an actual test system will enhance the class work by providing real-world feedback to the theoretical foundations. Operating the wind tunnels remotely allows access to expensive research grade equipment at a very affordable cost. Schools will not have to maintain the equipment or change models. With a change of IP address, different airfoils, such as the NACA 2415 and 0015, will be made available.

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Jack Gilbert, President Jack Gilbert attended Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics to become a licensed aircraft A & P mechanic. His first job was with Cessna Aircraft as an Experimental Flight Line Mechanic. During this time, Mr. Gilbert became very intrigued with aeronautical engineering. After Cessna, he worked as a mechanic on corporate aircraft. He then taught for 15 years at an Aviation High School where he received a grant to develop a wind tunnel. The formation of his own company to manufacture equipment followed. Co-Presenter: Kurt Veggeberg, Business Development Manager, Sound and Vibration National Instruments Kurt Veggeberg - Business Development Manager for Sound and Vibration, National Instruments. National Instruments open graphical programming software and modular hardware provides a variety of platforms that help educators teach sensors, measurements and instrumentation concepts. His responsibilities include the design of control and dynamic signal data acquisition systems architectures for wind tunnels in industry and academia. He has been involved in a number of high channel count aeroacoustic measurement systems used in leading wind tunnels.

 

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