Wind tunnel calibration is necessary for repeatable and reproducible data for all industries interested in their output. Quantities such as wind speed, pressure gradients, static operating conditions, ground effects, force and moment measurements, as well as flow uniformity and angularity are all integral in an automotive wind tunnel’s data quality and can be controlled through appropriate calibration, maintenance, and statistical process control programs. The purpose of this technical paper is to (1) provide a basis of commonality for automotive wind tunnel calibration, (2) help customers and operators to determine the calibration standards best suited for their unique automotive wind tunnel and, (3) complement the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics recommended practice R-093-2003(2018) Calibration of Subsonic and Transonic Wind Tunnels as specifically applied to the automotive industry. This document compiles information from various automotive wind tunnel customers and operators of the Subsonic Aerodynamic Testing Association as part of the Commonization of Automotive Aerodynamic Testing Standards initiative launched by the late Gary Elfstrom.
