ACCESSORIES FOR TUNNELS

TRAVERSE MECHANISMS
AND PROBE MANIPULATORS

Traverse Mechanisms and manipulators are key accessories for wind tunnels and experimental facilities used for various types of research, including fluid mechanics. They are used for precise positioning and control of models or probes, enabling flow field characteristic measurement in the wind tunnel‘s Test Section. Traverse Mechanisms move probes and sensors in different axes, which is essential to obtain detailed data on airflow and other aerodynamic properties in the area of interest.

They are designed and constructed for maximum position accuracy, minimum
interference with the flowfield, and the ability to withstand extreme conditions such as high flow velocities and high temperatures.

TRAVERSE MECHANISMS TYPES ACCORDING TO ITS DRIVE

Manual

the simplest traverser type, where the movement is controlled manually,
suitable for basic applications where high precision or automation is not required

Driven by stepper motor

these traversers offer high precision and reliability and are capable of performing fine steps; they are ideal for applications that require precise positioning

Driven by servomotor

provide higher performance and precision than stepper motor traversers and can be used to quickly and smoothly change position, are suitable for highly demanding applications requiring dynamics and precision

TRAVERSE MECHANISMS TYPES ACCORDING TO
THE NUMBER OF AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLED AXES

1D traversers

move on one axis, used for basic measurements requiring only linear displacement

2D traversers

move on two axes, allowing for more complex automatic measurement in a two-dimensional space

3D traversers

move on three axes and are essential for complex three-dimensional measurements and analyses

Multi-axis traversers

combine the above with additional probe adjustment options

WTtech.CZ offers a wide range of traversing devices designed to suit the customer‘s requirements and conditions, including the size of the area to be surveyed. The control software allows for scheduling of the measurement in predefined steps and intervals, while the traversing process is fully automated and can take from a few minutes to several hours depending on the type of measurement.

The traversers can be controlled both manually with buttons on control panel and solely via a software interface. The traverse mechanisms can move in predefined steps or continuously. In order to increase the safety of the measurement, the movement of the traversers is restricted by software and hardware limits.

The design of WTtech.CZ traversers minimizes the traverser’s influence on the test airflow and is optimized using the finite element method (FEM). This ensures high structural stiffness, minimizes deformation during operation, and contributes to high measurement accuracy. FEM optimization also ensures that the traversers have optimal natural frequencies, reducing their susceptibility to vibrations caused by external forces. This increases the stability and reliability of measurements in challenging aerodynamic conditions.

2D TRAVERSE MECHANISM

for a Low-speed Wind Tunnel with Closed Test Section

Movement range: 300 x 200 mm
Maximum airspeed: 90 m/s
Purpose: measurement of the velocity flowfield characteristics inside the Test Section
Application: positioning of pitot-static probes, directional probes, and hot wire anemometer probes
Specifics: sealed system to minimize the influence on the flowfield inside the test section

3D TRAVERSE MECHANISMS

for a Low-speed Wind Tunnel with Open Test Section

Movement range: 500 x 500 X 500 mm
Maximum airspeed: 90 m/s
Purpose: measurement of flow characteristics in the air stream
Application: placement of pitot-static probes, directional probes, and hot wire anemometer probes
Specifics: its rigidity, tonnage, and capacity allow the mounting of a laser head designed for LDA, or systems and cameras for PIV measurement

2x 2D TRAVERSE MECHANISM

for Measurement in front of and behind the Test Object

Configuration: 2x 2D traverser
Movement range: 700 x 500 mm
Maximum airspeed: 70 m/s
Purpose: measurement of flow characteristics in the flow stream (velocity vector, pressure, turbulence, temperature) in front of and behind tested Heat Exchanger
Application: placement of pitot-static probes, directional probes, and hot wire anemometer probes
Specifics: fully automated synchronized movement

1D TRAVERSING SYSTEM

for an industrial wind tunnel

3D (6D) TRAVERSING SYSTEM

for and industrial wind tunnel

Movement range: 3100 x 2100 x 2000 mm
Maximum speed: 110 m/s
Purpose: measurement in a closed-circuit industrial WT
Application: positioning of pitot-static probes, directional probes, and hot wire anemometer probes
Specifics: the 3D traverser is designed as a manipulator with 6 degrees of latitude

TURBINE TEST RIG

traversing system

Configuration: 2x 3D traverser
Maximum airspeed: 100 m/s
Purpose: internal aerodynamics measurement
Application: measurements with directional and fast pneumatic probe, traversing in front of and behind the turbine stage
Probe movement options:
1. circumferential displacement
2. radial displacement
3. probe rotation around its axis

ACCESSORIES FOR TUNNELS

TRAVERSE MECHANISMS
AND PROBE MANIPULATORS

TRAVERSE MECHANISMS TYPES ACCORDING TO ITS DRIVE