For a theatre production, a flag had to fly convincingly indoors without the airflow system disturbing the performance. This created an unusual aerodynamic challenge: generating sufficient and well-directed airflow while keeping the installation virtually silent.
FlowMotion developed the aerodynamic concept using wind-tunnel tests and prototyping. The relationship between air velocity, volumetric flow and the shape of the outlet flow was investigated to determine the conditions required to keep the flag moving naturally.
The outlet geometry was particularly important. The air had to reach the flag with sufficient momentum while avoiding unnecessary turbulence, noise and losses in the internal flow path.
Different configurations were tested and refined until the required flag motion could be produced with an airflow system suitable for use on stage.
The result was a practical application of aerodynamics in an environment where flow performance and acoustics were equally important.
