C6 Corvette in the General Motors Aerodynamics laboratory wind tunnel in Warren, Mich. This art poster measures 24" x 16" and is custom printed on vibrance luster paper.
This wind tunnel will test the aerodynamic elements of a vehicle, which can drive changes in exterior design that can increase the speed, enhance spoiler effectiveness and improve efficiency of racing vehicles.
The General Motors Aerodynamics Lab was launched in the 1970s and the wind tunnel became operational in 1980. The tunnel itself comprises a 750-foot-long cavern and a large, 43-foot-diameter fan that generates the airflow. The fan is driven by a DC electric motor with the equivalent of 4,500 horsepower and turns blades made of Sitka spruce wood – a material used for its combination of strength and low mass. The fan spins at a maximum of 270 rpm, but the blade tip speeds exceed 400 mph.
The cavernous tunnel narrows to amplify the air speed around the test platform – the area where the race car is positioned – with a maximum air speed of about 110 mph. That’s the equivalent of an F2 tornado. Real-time data acquisition and display systems measure forces and moments, airflow velocities, pressures, temperatures and wind noise.
Over the years, the wind tunnel has been used to gauge the aerodynamic performance of more than automobiles. In 2006, for example, it was used to evaluate numerous elements of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team, including the aero performance of boots, gloves and goggles, as well as gauging the most aerodynamic racing position for the skiers themselves. Recently GM opened its doors to anyone to use the lab to test their vehicle (for a fee of about $2,000 an hour). This art poster showcases a piece of Chevy racing history!
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