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AIAA G-160-2025
Assessing Experimental Uncertainty with Application to Wind Tunnel Testing
Wind tunnel data are frequently presented without reference to their level of uncertainty. On the rare occasion when uncertainty is quoted, it is often a figure based on a few replicated baseline measurements acquired during the active test. Rarely are estimates of uncertainty based on professional calibrations of facilities and instrumentation, a thorough review of the test process used to produce the data, and comprehensive accounting of significant biases inherent in the experiment. While the analysis considerations and methods presented in this document may have many applications, the scope of this guide is focused on those associated with wind tunnel tests. The discussion is pointed toward providing the uncertainty at the wind tunnel test conditions commonly known as the aerodynamic reference condition.
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics [aiaa]