Overview of Wind Tunnel Testing for Automotive Development

This paper focuses on the improvements to the vehicle development process that can be achieved in various types of wind tunnel and environmental chamber facilities. It outlines the advantages associated with testing in a wind tunnel environment simulation. The next section will discuss specific tests that can be conducted in environmental facilities. The paper will then define basic facility characteristics and standard parameters. Finally, the paper discusses key topics that should be considered by the automotive R&D organization when planning and developing an aero/environmental test complex (or capabilities) to satisfy the complete vehicle development life cycle.