Wind tunnel test pieces for automotive body development made by composite layup and rapid prototyping with instrument inserts

摘要

A prototype automotive body component (1) used in wind tunnel tests is a model (2) with a base (3) and a unit (4) with sensor inserts. The base (3) is a composite fiber component, while the unit (4) with sensor inserts is fabricated by rapid prototyping. The components (3, 4) form an integral wind tunnel test piece. The rapid prototype component is produced by stereolithography. The sensors are linked to commensurate data recording systems. Further claimed is a process for the preparation of the wind tunnel test pieces by composite fiber layup and stereolithography.