This award supports cooperative research in aerodynamics by Cesar Farell of the University of Minnesota and Raphael Guarga of the University of the Republic in Montevideo, Uruguay. They will study the aerodynamic characteristics of boundary layers in wind tunnels and various aspects of tunnel design. Atmospheric wind tunnels have been built in both the Hydraulic Laboratory in Minnesota and at the School of Engineering in Montevideo. Basic design research will be carried out on components of open and closed circuit tunnels. Inlets, diffusers and their effect on flow quality will be investigated along with turbulence management using pressure tubes, anemometry and flow visualization. Data from both tunnels will be compared with current models of the aerodynamics of structures, energy conservation and effect on pedestrians. The growth of wind tunnel research and wind engineering in Uruguay will benefit from this work as will the capacity to train and use scientists and engineers. The U.S. will benefit through added manpower and a broadened work scope of different component geometries and scales. Thus the goal of the SDC program of mutual benefit to both will be fulfilled.
