Design and Implementation of an Electronic Measurement and Control System for a Subsonic Automotive Wind Tunnel

This study presents the design and development of a cost-effective, electronically controlled subsonic wind tunnel specifically tailored for automotive aerodynamic testing. The system integrates key sensing components—namely, a load cell, Pitot tube, and digital manometer—alongside an Arduino-based microcontroller to measure and analyze aerodynamic parameters such as downforce and airspeed. A custom-designed control module allows real-time monitoring and adjustment of airflow conditions within the test chamber. Additionally, a Dynamic Flow Representation (DFR) system using a fog machine enhances visualization of airflow behavior around scale vehicle models. Three wing configurations were evaluated under both computational and experimental setups to determine lift, drag, and lift-to-drag ratios, demonstrating the tunnel’s capability in replicating real-world aerodynamic conditions. The results confirm the system's effectiveness as a viable platform for independent aerodynamic analysis and as a tool for rapid design iteration, especially beneficial for small-scale automotive developers and educational institutions Key Words: Subsonic Wind Tunnel, Aerodynamic Testing, Arduino Uno, Load Cell, Pitot Tube, Downforce Measurement, Automotive Aerodynamics, Flow Visualization, Dynamic Flow Representation (DFR), Low-Cost Prototyping