Show off your skills and solve real design problems
NASA is looking for ideas that can be incorporated into the designs of their next generation wind tunnel facilities. We are challenging the GrabCAD Community to design innovative wind tunnel test section(s) that can increase the effectiveness of an advanced transonic (Mach 0.05 to 1.6) wind tunnel facility.
The test section is where models are placed so that they will be exposed to the desired airflow generated by the wind tunnel to assess their performance under controlled
conditions.
The test sections must be configurable for many types of models (aircraft, rockets, engines, etc.) and will need to allow many types of measurements besides the standard pressure/lift/drag measurements. Data on acoustics, bending modes, and temperature gradients is of high interest in modern design trades. Specialized test sections are sometimes needed to capture data sets with high accuracy.
Installing models and optimizing test sections for different types of measurements is time-consuming and reduces the amount of testing that can be done in a facility.
The NASA Unitary Plan Wind tunnel! is an example of a facility that can direct its airflow to three separate test sections to increase facility throughput. Interchangeable test sections may be even more efficient.
How would you design a wind tunnel facility with one or more test sections that can be efficiently and rapidly reconfigured by multiple test teams so that facility utilization can be maximized?
Potential images of Wind Tunnel Test Sections for Context
While new models are being installed and integrated into the test section, the wind tunnel is not running which results in reduced utilization. Operational efficiencies are
an area of improvement in the design of the facilities’ test section which could increase performance and cost effectiveness. The ability of the test team to rapidly swap out models is a lot like the capabilities of a race car pit crew to the overall efficiency of a wind tunnel.
This contest is in support of a NASA concept study called the “New Wind Tunnel Landscape.” The goal of the study is to develop several options to support the future wind tunnel testing required in the next 20-50 years. The test section design is one aspect of what might enhance the effectiveness of future wind tunnels. In addition to swapping out models, researchers may want to configure the test section itself for different test objectives (e.g. sound abatement for acoustic measurement accuracy, optical windows for laser metrology on structural dynamics).
A successful outcome of this contest is a 3D model of an efficient wind tunnel facility test section. Drawings showing how models are swapped in and out will help assess the designs’ feasibility. Contest submissions must include:
1. CAD models of an efficient wind tunnel test section showing any interchangeable test fixtures and/or entire test sections.
2. Include a concept for installing and instrumenting models within the wind tunnel test section.
3. Consider feasible methods of construction and mechanisms. This may be provided in 2D drawings or as a 3D model.
Renderings of the system in operation will be used to help communicate the concept and potentially be used in proposed options for the overall report on future wind
tunnel development strategies, recommendations, and future challenges for other aspects of an entire wind tunnel.
An estimate of the ability to incorporate the test section concepts into existing wind tunnels or the requirement to be part of a new wind tunnel are encouraged.
For this contest, the Unitary Plan wind tunnel facility has been provided as a starting
point. Additional features of wind tunnel test section would likely include:
1. Viewing windows
2. Model Support fixture attachment fixtures.
3. Data and power connections for instrumentation
Assume that the test section will be a minimum of 4 meters wide and 4 meters high.
Ideas that should be excluded:
1. Avoid concepts that require major subsystems to support the test section.
2. Avoid concepts that are potentially a high cost to fabricate and maintain.
3. Avoid concepts that have significant safety issues (e.g.)
For information on the current NASA suite of wind tunnels see: Link
A wind tunnel design handbook can be found here:
Link
Contest submissions must include:
Technical Requirements
ENTERING THE COMPETITION:
Submitting an Entry
AWARDING THE WINNERS
The sum of the Awards is the total gross amount of the reward. The awarded participant is solely liable for the payment of all taxes, duties, and other similar measures if imposed on the reward pursuant to the legislation of the country of his/her residence, domicile, citizenship, workplace, or any other criterion of similar nature. Only 1 award per person. Prizes may not be transferred or exchanged. All winners will be contacted by the GrabCAD staff to get their contact information and any other information needed to get the prize to them. Payment of cash awards is made through Checks mailed to the Winners. All team awards will be transferred to the member who entered the Challenge. Vouchers will be provided in the form of Stratasys Direct Manufacturing promo codes.
We will release the finalists before the announcement of the winners to give the Community an opportunity to share their favorites in the comments, discuss concerns, and allow time for any testing or analysis by the Jury. The Jury will take the feedback into consideration when picking the winners.
Winning designs will be chosen based on the Rules and Requirements schedule.
“Submissions from countries listed as Type 2 and Type 3 on the NASA Designated Countries List (https://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/designated_country_list_8-16-2019_tagged_0.pdf) are not eligible for monetary awards.
Schedule
This Challenge ends on July 18, 2022 (23:59 EST.) Finalists will be announced on July 25th, 2022 and Winners will be announced on August 1st, 2022$7000 in Total Prizes
$3000
$2000
$1000
$750
$250
This contest supports the Aero sciences Evaluation & Test Capability (AETC) “New Wind Tunnel Landscape” study. This study is sponsored by the NASA AETC Portfolio funds. The study will help inform the author of the study who is working to define the future of wind tunnel testing and what they will look like in the future.
If you don't receive the email within an hour (and you've checked your Spam folder), email us as confirmation@grabcad.com.
60 comments
Nic over 2 years ago
I'm sure I won't be the first to ask, but just to confirm, is Australia eligible as indicated by the Free Trade Agreement outlined in the Foreign Acquisitions document?
Kevin Kempton over 2 years ago
Yes Australia is eligible. If the country is listed in the in the link to the FAR you are eligible for a prize.
Mart Berghs over 2 years ago
What is the startup and shutdown cycles time of the wind tunnel, generating the airflow? Time of the tests and measurements not included.
Carlos Torre over 2 years ago
Are teams allowed or is it strictly individual?
Abhishek Ranjan over 2 years ago
Can people from India participate?
Francisco J. Erenas Rivas over 2 years ago
Interesting...
Muhammed Burak Babacan over 2 years ago
Is there any authorized person to enlighten us about from which countries we can participate this challenge
Kesa over 2 years ago
In order to be eligible for a prize solutions must originate from either the U.S. or a designated country (see definition of designated country at https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-25#FAR_25_003), OR have been substantially transformed in the US or designated country prior to delivery pursuant to FAR 25.403(c).
Muhammed Burak Babacan over 2 years ago
Brother, it is extremely complicated, i just wonder am i eligible for prize, i am from turkey
Luke Smallwood over 2 years ago
If you Ctrl F the link for designated countries and look up "Designated countries" it will bring you to the list of eligible regions.
Adnan Syahril over 2 years ago
Good opportunity
sanjay padvi over 2 years ago
India is not allowed...I confirmed with Grabcad team...
GDS - Development over 2 years ago
It will be AWESOME for a NASA project
Detailed over 2 years ago
Good luck to the participants !
Ayush Kumar Choudhary over 2 years ago
India is not mentioned in the designated countries list, so no for Indians.
Jackson Eckenrode over 2 years ago
Hi Carlos, teams are allowed!
James over 2 years ago
Great
Stephen Helland over 2 years ago
Startup/Shutdown should be considered a continuous flow tunnel meaning once turned on, the tunnel can maintain the desired range of mach numbers at a certain dew point for prolonged periods of time. Typically, transonic tunnels use dry air to maintain conditions and if the air gets too saturated, the test run is terminated.
Stéphane Gazel over 2 years ago
Are we limited to two png or jpg files?
SamulevichFidel&Daughter. over 2 years ago
To American located only / Way on international site ?
Stéphane Gazel over 2 years ago
International
Stéphane Gazel over 2 years ago
I did not see anything in the rules that prohibited to present several projects. Can submit other ideas under the same profile?
Amine Hamdi over 2 years ago
Can people from Tunisia participate?
Fahad Butt over 2 years ago
A challenge.
A challenge I could take part in.
For limited countries only.
Heart break, truly.
Stéphane Gazel over 2 years ago
Hey hi Lucas! You should come up with (if you have the copyrights) a little project with your omnidirectional motor....I already see the potential for a version that won't take up much space with your motor we could really put them up to date chain ... I will propose a project in this direction (but for that it would be necessary that we make "team" because I cannot use your engine if it is not of my production (among the general conditions of the Challenge).
Bernard Brits over 2 years ago
South Africa not included, What a shame. Cheers!
Kesa over 2 years ago
Remember if you have any questions please use the comment system here on the challenge page. The challenge judges are reading your comments and will answer any questions that you may have!
Oorjit Mahajan over 2 years ago
Are residents from India eligible to be a part of the challenge
?
Kevin Syc over 2 years ago
Hi, thanks for the challenge. The assumed dimensions of test section being 4m in height and 4m in width, do these refer to the inner dimensions (i.e. the size of the tunnel for the model) or outer dimensions (i.e. outsie walls, taking into consideration any wall thickness and apparatus, etc.?). Thanks!
William T over 2 years ago
These are usually the inner dimension, the available space for testing.
Sahil Chaudhary over 2 years ago
To be eligible for the competition one "must originate from either the U.S. or a designated country." I reside and work in the US full time. I am not a citizen or a permanent resident though, on a visa. I am a citizen of a country that is not designated country. Does this make me ineligible?
Kavish Kondap over 2 years ago
What does "Avoid concepts that require major subsystems to support the test section." indicate? What is considered a "major subsystem"?
MysteriousH over 2 years ago
Couple of questions:
1. Reading a couple of articles it is my understanding that one major challenge in transonic region wind tunnel testing is the interference from wall-flow interactions, and some articles mention use of a plenum chamber to minimize this effect. Would a plenum chamber or the like, be part of the test section or would the test section always be inside of the "parent" plenum chamber? I am asking as I imagine that if the test section has a parent chamber, then that would add some practial limitations as to how it may potentially be swapped or removed?
2. When conducting tests, would you typically change setup completely between tests (change of instrumentation, chamber characteristics, model all at once) or is it more of the incremental nature, first test with instr #1, model #1, next inst #1, model #2, etc. ?
3. When it comes to cost, how much does the cost of the test section matter? For example lets say we had swappable test sections each with all the instrumentation, model carriage with attitude, position control and all the sensors, thus making it possible to prepare the model/test in full, performing calibration and all, long before it entered the wind tunnel, thus minimizing wind tunnel time waste, but at the cost of each test section costing presumably in the millions. Is time saved all that matters or is there a compromise to be made?
Stephen Helland over 2 years ago
1. Answer - Plenum chamber can reduce wall interference and increase test area size. Without it, one must account for the interference and shrink actual test area. The test section usually resides inside the plenum where a plenum door allows access to the test section and model insertions. Therefore, the plenum door would need to be large enough for the test section to be swapped.
2. Answer-Usually incremental and seldom a full model change. It's usually some variations to the model and not change instrumentation at all.
3. Answer-if the cost of fully instrumented test sections can be recouped over time because of efficiency gains, it would pay for itself over time and worth the investment. Reality is there are always compromises to be made, but the optimum setup would be desired in this case not considering cost.
Stephen Helland over 2 years ago
Test times should typically last for several hours depending upon required conditions like dewpoint, mach numbers, model positions, etc.
Stephen Helland over 2 years ago
Lots of good questions and some really great submissions so far as we approach the end of the submission process. I greatly appreciate the thought, time, and effort into the proposals. I've been seeking innovative ideas and "out of the box" thinking I can definitely see by the questions and submissions. Thanks to all for the great ideas and concepts so far!!
Lucas Martin Dublanc over 2 years ago
Can people from Argentina participate?
geo over 2 years ago
I know, the deadline is over.
(my dentist tortured me)
https://grabcad.com/library/nasa-challenge-carousel-1
Reid Hardy over 2 years ago
Where will the finalist be announced? Best Regards
Stephen Helland over 2 years ago
We've received really great entries and far more than I expected. We have a team reviewing all entries in addition to our day jobs, so my hope is to do our down selections within the next few days with finalists announced shortly afterwards. Our team will meet to discuss before finalizing our selections. I wanted to share our process and appreciate all of your patience.
Kesa over 2 years ago
Hello Participants.
Due to so many excellent submissions that came out of this Challenge, NASA is going to need a bit more time to judge the submissions. So the Finalists list will not be out this week. We will plan to announce the Finalists list next week so please keep your eyes 'open on this challenge page.
Best
Kesa
GrabCAD Challenge Admin
Amirreza Moloudi over 2 years ago
When will the finalist be announced?
Stephen Helland over 2 years ago
Our team met and discussed all the great entries and I'm working on narrowing them down now and should have them announced by the end of the day.
Naman Sharma over 2 years ago
Are the finalists announced?
Kesa over 2 years ago
Hello Everyone,
Due to the Finalists being late we were not able to post them last week but we are able to post them today. So be on the lookout for the Finalists today.
Best
Kesa
GrabCAD Challenge Admin
Shivam Naik over 2 years ago
Just adding onto David’s point using the “submissions must include:
[…]
3. Feasibility of integrating into existing infrastructure
4. Feasibility of manufacture and construction “
I do not intend to insult or demean any of the high quality submissions or decisions of the judges. I just simply wanted to list the criteria listed for the challenge.
Konstantin Kostsov over 2 years ago
Friends, believe me, it is very difficult to organize contests. It can't all go according to plan. Interesting tasks. Interesting criticism from the referee. This is a creative contest. There may be interesting solutions.
KANSARA PIYUSH over 2 years ago
Congratulations for all winner
Adam Kooperman over 2 years ago
Congats to all taking part in this challenge! It is a real pleasure to compete with you. I would also like to thank NASA and GrabCAD for giving me the opportunity to participate in this challenges and also for choosing my concept among the finalists too ! Thanks a lot and good luck to everyone!
Kavish Kondap over 2 years ago
I understand that, due to the large number of competitors, it’s impossible to provide individualized feedback to everyone. However, if possible, could I receive some constructive criticism on my design from one or more of the judging committee? I’d love to see what I can improve on to contribute to future challenges. Thanks to NASA and grabCAD for hosting the challenge, and congrats to all!
ANOUAR BARODI over 2 years ago
Thanks NASA and GrabCAD for choosing my model among the finalists, congratulations to everyone & good luck to all !!!
Tommy Mueller over 2 years ago
Congratulations to the other finalists and all the other entries. Personally I thought everyone did a very good job coming up with designs, and there was no short of innovative solutions.
...
While my opinion matters very little for the final results, I’d like to share my three favorite entries (in no order, and with NO disrespect to any other entries)
...
NASA Wind Tunnel Challenge
The split tunnel idea with the baffle divider, very cool hot-swapability
...
Test Section with Automated Driving Interchangeable Platform.
I had this same idea, but Anouar REALLY nailed it. The guy really know his stuff
...
New Wind Tunnel Test Section Concept
The box module is smart, aesthetic, and simple.
...
Thanks again to NASA and GrabCAD for bringing in these challenges to keep us busy!
Ammar Khaled over 2 years ago
I would like to thank the jury for shortlisting my design, I have one comment on "Translation of model into TS may not be feasible with robotic arm due to model size/weight." robot arm M-2000iA/2300 With its enormous 2.3 t payload.
Is it possible that the weight of the model is more than 2300 kg?
https://www.fanuc.eu/de/en/robots/robot-filter-page/m-2000-series/m-2000ia-2300
Kesa over 2 years ago
Hello Everyone. Sorry for the Delay, The Winners will be announced tomorrow Morning. Thank you for your Patience.
Best
Kesa
GrabCAD Challenge Admin
Adam Kooperman over 2 years ago
Congratulations to everyone! Thank you very much to NASA and GrabCAD for this challenge and for choosing my work as one of the winners! I think everyone did a great job!
ANOUAR BARODI over 2 years ago
Thank you so much NASA and GrabCAD for choosing my Design among the winners, Congratulations and good luck to all !!!
david surridge over 2 years ago
Thank you GrabCad and NASA for sponsoring this challenge and selecting my entry as one of your winners. Congratulations to all of the finalists and final winners.
Stephen Helland over 2 years ago
I'd like to thank all those who submitted entries to my first NASA challenge through GrabCad. I was overwhelmed by the number of quality entries making it even harder to narrow it down to 5 winners and several honorable mentions. I greatly appreciated the innovative ideas and concepts for creating an optimized wind tunnel test section. I'm leading a team to think about what and how wind tunnels should be like in the future and all the entries sparked some great ideas. Please stay tuned for future challenges addressing other parts of wind tunnel operations. Thank you again to all those who provided entries!!
Daniel Chavdarov about 2 years ago
Thanks for the opportunity NASA. Champaign for he winners! Hope they delivered to you what you deserve in this generous competition.
Kesa about 2 years ago
If you havent been awarded any money for this challenge please send a message to Kesa@grabcad.com and jackson.eckenrode@grabcad.com. Thank you
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