A Monte Carlo Study Examining the Potential of Experimental Design Strategies for Wind Tunnel Testing

Abstract

Wind tunnel test campaigns involve a large number of experimental data points, can take a long time to accomplish, and can consume tremendous resources. Design of Experiments (DOE) is a systematic approach to experimental design and analysis that has the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of wind tunnel testing. We employ a legacy wind tunnel test campaign and compare the resulting data from that campaign to data generated using smaller experimental design strategies. The comparison is accomplished using a Monte Carlo sampling methodology coupled with a statistical comparison of the estimated surfaces. Initial results suggest a tremendous opportunity to reduce wind tunnel test efforts without losing test information.