AIAA G-129

Abstract

This document provides a recommended test nomenclature for steady-state wind tunnel testing involving force, moment, and pressure data. This guide may be used as a translator (Rosetta stone) between different facilities and customers. The use of this document will enhance the understanding and communication between customers and facilities in the wind tunnel testing community. <br>A major focus throughout this process has been to achieve a balance between too much or too little detail in the nomenclature parameters and definitions. When the names become too long, it is no longer nomenclature, but a full description of the item. The best nomenclature is immediately understood with no need to look it up. It is recognized that for this guide to be fully adopted, it must be easy to use and understand. <br><strong>Purpose</strong> <br>Test nomenclature ambiguity can be a source of confusion, error, and inefficiency. While wind tunnel facilities measure many of the same physical quantities and apply similar corrections to their data, no two facilities and customers use the same set of nomenclature. This presents difficulties for facilities with multiple customers and customers who test at multiple facilities. This sometimes leads to serious confusion, especially when a variable ends up with the same name but a different meaning. Finally, wind tunnel operation often requires the transfer of staff between facilities, which would be greatly facilitated by common nomenclature at each facility.