Wind tunnels are very useful for making measurements but it is important to acknowledge that they are physically bounded so that airflow is always horizontal at the upper and lower boundaries. In free air the flow differs. Traditional aerodynamic theory is based on dimensional analysis and simple algebra, but with the power of modern computer modelling it would be possible to run large-scale elemental simulations based entirely on Newtonian mechanics and thermodynamic behaviour of each element.
Last edited by mike-wsm; 19th August 2012 at 14:35.