Archive for the ‘Introduction to a Wind Tunnel’ Category

The Various Types of Wind Tunnels

Friday, May 8th, 2009

Wind tunnels come in a variety of types.  There are both indoor and outdoor wind tunnels.  The indoor wind tunnels typically re-circulate the air inside and are designed for climates that are cold during the summer.  This allows for year round use of the facility even when it is snowing outside.  The outdoor wind tunnels like that in Eloy, Arizona do not re-circulate the air and simply pull the air from outside and run it up the physical training area.  Since the Arizona climate is rather consistent throughout the year the only disadvantage is the desert heat in the summer, which is bearable; however it is recommended that you bring water inside the wind tunnel with you in order to not deplete your health by becoming dehydrated.

There are also portable wind tunnels that may be used for various events from corporate business events to birthday parties or any other reason to celebrate life with friends and family.  The portable wind tunnels are typically smaller than some of the static facilities; however, they are used by Hollywood for filming many skydiving scenes in a safe and controlled environment.

A wind tunnel control unit is used to vary the speed of the wind necessary for proper flight of the individual or individuals using the tunnel.  For example, a small child would require less air force than an adult and flying on one’s belly requires less air force than someone flying upside down.  The controller varies the wind speed for the participants to ensure a safe and satisfying experience.  The controller simply does not set the dial and call it good, rather they are in continual watch of the experience making adjustments based on their own experience and on what the instructor is trying to accomplish at the time.  There are a wind range of propellers and fans that are used to move the air within the tunnel.  The size of the columns where the tunnel is used varies in size between six to sixteen feet in diameter.  My personal preference is the larger the better.  The vertical wind tunnel in Eloy, Arizona is a fourteen foot diameter wind tunnel.

Powering the fitness excursion are typically large diesel or electric motors in various configurations.  It takes quite a bit of horsepower typically in the thousands to power the experience.  What a great sport.  There is lots of horsepower, plenty of fun, and an excellent physical workout all in one place.  It does not get much better than this.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Introduction to a Wind Tunnel | No Comments »

Wind Tunnel Health Introduction

Sunday, April 19th, 2009

Vertical wind tunnels are fantastic devices that promote health as well as providing a longer-duration simulation of skydiving.  Skydiving is a completely different sport from spending time in the wind tunnel.  It is the difference between application and preparation.  Skydiving is the application of some of the body control learned in the wind tunnel.  I have enjoyed spending time in the wind tunnel in Eloy, Arizona as it allows me time to increase health and gain balance at the same time.

There is a fair degree of physical fitness that is required to spend time in a wind tunnel.  15 minutes in the wind tunnel, typically taken in 3 minute intervals provides and excellent workout.  After being in the wind tunnel for a few 15 minute sessions, the sessions can be increased helping with endurance.  It does not feel as good as skydiving, however, the amount of stamina and control that is developed is quite impressive.  It makes it so that when one does go skydiving that there is much more control during freefall.

It is absolutely amazing as to how little body control one has when one first enters a wind tunnel.  It is like one is born again and must learn how to crawl, walk, and run all over again.  I have found this to be a great way to fine-tune physical body coordination.  During skydiving one has the open sky, whereas in a wind tunnel there are walls that allow you to know just how much control you did not have during skydiving.  At first the walls seem to be the only thing one is able to find regularly, whether you like it or not.  It does not take very long before the sign language from the instructors and general body control starts to make sense.  I suppose I could best describe it like a fish in a fish bowl.  Once general navigation is understood it is easy to go up, down, left, right, spin, flip, etc.  I would go so far as to say that the wind tunnel is a better physical workout than going to the gym as it not only improves muscle strength but is truly allows one to work on balance and coordination.

The wind tunnel in Eloy, Arizona is well suited for year-round use.  It is located between Phoenix and Tucson, which is somewhat convenient although if I had my way I would have one in my house.  It has four fans that pull the air through the training area that are 400 horsepower each.  It is quite a structure of steel and Lexan plastic.  When driving up it clearly stands out across the desert landscape with four large cylinders fanning-out from the top.  I highly recommend trying a vertical wind tunnel if you get the chance.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Introduction to a Wind Tunnel | No Comments »