SLA-Printed Wing Performance in Wind Tunnel Testing

This case study presents the application of Neo® stereolithography and Somos® PerFORM™ resin in the manufacturing of wind tunnel test models at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The document outlines the challenges associated with traditional CNC-machined wing models, which include long lead times and issues with optical reflection during testing. The approach taken involved producing three wing models using a 3D printing process that significantly reduced fabrication time to just over 47 hours, compared to the typical 3-4 weeks for CNC machining. The material costs for the three wings were approximately $4,350, and the automated cleaning process minimized technician involvement. The study also details the validation process of the printed models through static load testing to ensure their suitability for wind tunnel testing. Additionally, it discusses the use of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) for capturing detailed flow structures, emphasizing the advantages of using SLA-printed models for aerodynamic performance evaluation.