Correlation of Pressure Measurements in Model and Full-Scale Wind Tunnels and on the Road

A three-way correlation study of aerodynamic pressure measurements has been carried out between the MIRA model and full-scale wind tunnels and actual road conditions. Six vehicles and two quarter-scale models were used, each fitted with 30 or more static pressure tubes and tappings connected to a multi-tube manometer. The results showed close correlation between full-scale tunnel and road measurements, though apparently with a smaller blockage effect than previously assumed. Good correlation was also found between model and full-scale tunnel measurements, provided a high standard of accuracy was maintained in the model manufacture.