Gone With the Wind: How Windbreaks Affect Wind Flow

Overview

Objectives/Goals I tested how the type of windbreak affects wind flow. Windbreaks are purposefully built blockades against the wind. Although those are usually used for farms and crops, they are also used in windy areas on roads. High-speed winds are quite dangerous, especially for high profile vehicles. So, I found out which of these windbreaks was the most effective. Methods/Materials Basically, for my procedure I built a rig in which there is a fan mounted at one end. At the other end there was a flat surface glued around an axel, which is mounted to the rig. There is a weight on this surface, forcing it upright. I then replaced different windbreaks between the two and then record the angle degree the surface was at. So, the independent variable in the test is the different windbreaks while the dependent variable is the angle degree the sail is at. I am keeping this test as controlled as possible by having a steady wind source, and by screwing everything in place on the rig. Results The outcome of my testing resulted with the wall windbreak being the most effective. The slope windbreak came second with the screen, trees, and metal fence following it. The wall came to a 82.05º average while the slope came to 69.15º, the screen at 68.85º, the trees at 64.95º, and the fence at 65.55º. Conclusions/Discussion The overall result was that the wall was the best windbreak followed by the slope, the screen, the trees, and then the metal fence. My hypothesis was proven correct with the wall windbreak neing the most effective.

Competition history

• CSEF 2008 Aerodynamics/ Hydrodynamics (Junior Division Only) · Entry J0117

Resources

• CSEF project summary ↗

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