Abstract: A mechanism 10 for diverting the flow in a wind tunnel from the wing 20 of a model being tested therein. The wing 20 is mounted on the wall 30 of a tunnel. A diverter plate 11 is pivotally mounted on the tunnel wall 30 ahead of the model. An actuator 18 fixed to the tunnel is pivotally connected to the diverter plate 11, by plunger 15. When the model is about to become unstable during the test the actuator 18 moves the diverter plate from the tunnel wall to divert flow about the wing and change the effective sweep angle thereof maintaining stable model conditions. The diverter plate is then retracted to enable normal flow.

Abstract: A mechanism 10 for constraining models 20 or sections thereof being wind tunnel tested which is deployed at the onset of aeroelastic instability, to forestall destructive vibrations in the model. The mechanism includes a pair of arms 11a and 11b pivoted to the tunnel wall 30 and straddling the model. Rollers 12a and 12b on the ends of the arms contact the model, and are pulled together against the model by a spring 17 stretched between the arms. An actuator mechanism 18 swings the arms into place and back as desired.