NACA0012 Aerofoil with Tappings

The aerofoil has 20 static pressure tappings along its chord on the upper and lower surfaces. They each connect to tubes that pass through the aerofoil and then out to clear, numbered, flexible tubes. Students can connect the tubes to other optional pressure-measurement instruments. They can then measure the pressure distribution around the aerofoil, from which they can find the lift.

Using a Pitot tube, students can traverse the aerofoil wake to find the downstream pressure distribution and find the drag on the aerofoil.

Students can compare these values of lift and drag with direct measurements found from a balance. They can also compare them with the results from another aerofoil with the same profile, such as the AF1600d. Varying the angle of attack of the aerofoil with respect to the air stream allows students to find the changes to the pressure distribution. It also allows investigations into the critical conditions at stall.