If you own model cars, you may not have thought about their aerodynamic efficiency. If not, you’re in luck because Windsible, the world’s first desktop wind tunnel, could give you that data.
The Windsible is the brainchild of a Hong Kong startup called Fun-Tech-Lab. It is currently seeking funding through a Kickstarter campaign to be able to sell its invention in three sizes, in order to use this curious wind tunnel with cars at 1:18, 1:24 and 1:64 scales.
Its operation is simple: you turn on the device, then place a “fog” cartridge on one end, put your model car in a compartment with a transparent door and press the Start button. The same button also serves to increase the wind speed up to a maximum of 418 km/h.
The mist flows parallel out of the cartridge, around the car and into a filter at the other end of the Windsible. Thanks to LEDs inside the compartment you can see how the contours of the car affect the way the mist (and therefore the air) passes by.
The mist is produced using an oil (included), which users must refill the cartridge with as it runs out. The company doesn’t disclose what it’s made of, but claims that the mist it produces is nontoxic. That included bottle should last about 300 minutes of use, and it’s unknown how much refills would cost… but it seems that the e-liquid used in e-cigarettes and vapes can work as a substitute.
Some backers have said they plan to use the device to teach students about aerodynamics or to test 3D-printed miniature models before building real-world vehicles. That said, Fun-Tech-Lab admits that such a small wind tunnel may not be accurate when it comes to replicating wind flow on a larger scale.
The Windsible costs, in this early phase of marketing: $239, $159 or $99, depending on the size you choose respectively. It should make it to production, as they have raised much more than they asked for and in the future they are advertising retail prices of $429, $309 and $239, so the savings are considerable. They also say they plan to offer a larger model in the future. You can see how it works in this video:
