MEXICO-WIND TUNNEL Mexican researchers build wind tunnel to prevent outsourcing

Record ID: 148595

  • Title: MEXICO-WIND TUNNEL Mexican researchers build wind tunnel to prevent outsourcing
  • Date: 3rd July 2015
  • Summary: MEXICO CITY, MEXICO (JULY 1, 2015) (REUTERS) GENERAL VIEW OF RESEARCHERS FROM THE NATIONAL AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF MEXICO (UNAM) CARRYING OUT TEST USING WIND TUNNEL ON SCALE MODEL
  • Embargoed: 18th July 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Mexico
  • Country: Mexico
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVAD297RB3K5ML7JZMMNSH2LY9JF
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Mexican architects and designers wishing to test their structures against strong winds and hurricanes will now be able to summon researchers from the National Autonomous University in Mexico (UNAM), who have designed an innovative wind tunnel, without having to outsource this job abroad.
    The wind tunnel, which is a tool to solve problems related to wind engineering through the experimental study of phenomena and wind effects, is among the ten largest in the world.
    The tunnel allows researchers to control wind flow such as velocity, pressure and temperature during tests. The fan is capable of generating winds of up to 100 km (62 miles) per hour, simulating effects equivalent to Category 4 hurricanes.
    A researcher from the Institute of Engineering, Dr. Roberto Gomez, said architects and designers approach them to test their structural designs.
    "So that we are able to review the design of very slim, high or important structures, to review their designs when faced with wind forces. Then we create a scale model and we can simulate on that scale model, wind forces which can be similar to those of a hurricane. That is why they (designers, architects) come to us to be able to simulate extreme conditions and help designers make decisions about their designs," Gomez said.
    The wind tunnel has two test sections. The first section has two turntables separated by 14 meters (45 feet). Scale models of architectural projects are placed on these tables to study their structures. The tables are turned in different directions during the experiment to simulate different wind direction.
    The second section tests wind flowing at a slower pace. During testing, different devices are placed to increase the boundary layer and generate turbulence.
    Tests can be performed for rigid and aerodynamic models. Sensors are placed on the models to measure deformations, velocities, accelerations, temperature and pressures caused by wind. The information generated is then analysed by experts to evaluate structural behaviour.
    In the absence of such facilities in Mexico until now, these tests were performed mainly in the United States and Canada, which involved additional costs. The wind tunnel will provide comprehensive services in the country and will also be open to business for companies in Central and South America.
    "A wind tunnel, like the one we are using now, allows us to carry out studies, allows us to do research which were previously done in other countries. Before, many models of important structures that were going to be built in Mexico, were sent to the United States or Canada or any other country. The studies were carried out abroad, reports were made and then they were sent to Mexico to apply them here in Mexico. Now with this new wind tunnel, we have started to work with - right now we are at the calibrating stage - we will be able to do all these studies we used to do in Canada, of large buildings, bridges, architectural projects, we'll be able to do them here with our new wind tunnel," Gomez said.
    The tunnel is ideal to test atmospheric boundary layer wind for buildings, bridges, oil platforms and structures.
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