Wind and aerodynamics

Abstract

The knowledge about aerodynamic actions is vitally important in many fields, such as those involving structures and transportation. Facing such issues, This chapter illustrates the experimental techniques that appeared around the end of the nineteenth century to measure aerodynamic actions, first of all the technology that represents the symbol of this discipline: the wind tunnel. It also describes the pioneering stage during which this device was aimed at every type of test, and then, the appearance of facilities specialized in various sectors, first of all those aiming to reproduce the atmospheric boundary layer, then those addressed to aircrafts, sailing boats, road and rail vehicles. The evolution of aerodynamic knowledge is overshadowed by the driving role of aeronautics. Relying on the huge impact of the first flights, it inspired an increasingly stricter relationship between theory and experimentation focusing on the study of wings and originating analytical methods and experimental techniques destined to impact on several sectors, first and above all wind actions and effects on structures and transportation.