MOORESVILLE, N.C. — On the outskirts of Mooresville, there’s one of the most unique businesses in the Carolinas---the Aerodyn Wind Tunnel. It’s all about aerodynamics, racing, and technology.
Gary Eaker is the designer and founder of the Aerodyn Wind Tunnel. Eaker is a mechanical engineer who has spent years working as an Aerodynamicist at General Motors and in the stock car racing industry.
Eaker said that, as an independent wind tunnel, they can test all brands of cars. Much of that is working with NASCAR and many of the other area racing teams. During the racing season, various teams use the facility almost every day.
Chris Osetek, Aerodyn’s technical director, said the wind tunnel was designed to provide a more efficient method of obtaining critical data for the individual teams.
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The Areodyn Wind Tunnel uses 22 100-horsepower individual fans. This allows for a fast start-up and rapid shutdown. Cars can be tested with wind speeds up to 130 mph. That’s the strength of a Category 4 hurricane!
For WCNC Charlotte, a whole new test was developed---the hair test! Could Larry Sprinkle’s “immovable” hairstyle withstand the magnitude of those 22 fans, generating tremendous wind speeds?
Strapped in and secure, the technician began the test. The winds started around 40 mph and then went all the way up to 100 mph. But the hurricane-force winds were no match for Larry's hair...they didn’t move a single strand. All of this excitement took place inside the amazing Aerodyn Wind Tunnel!
For more info about what happens there every day, check out their website here.
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