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WIND TUNNEL FACILITY

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Our state-of-the-art wind tunnel facility at the Northumbria University Aerodynamics Laboratory features an open return wind tunnel, which incorporates a 3/4 open jet design and a movable ground that can yaw. The wind tunnel is powered by two 30kW fans, with a designed working section velocity of 30m/s. It also comes with a computer-controlled 3-axis traverse system, enabling precise measurements throughout the working section. The wind tunnel has been purpose-built to cater to the needs of researchers, engineers, and students, and can accommodate a wide range of aerodynamic testing requirements. For more information on how our wind tunnel can contribute to the advancement of your research or testing requirements, please don't hesitate to get in touch.


Left video: Flow visualisation on an Ahmed Body with fluorescent powder involves applying a luminescent substance to the surface, which illuminates flow patterns when exposed to UV light. This technique enables researchers to study aerodynamic behaviour and streamline structures around the object, particularly in areas with complex flow separation and vortex shedding.

Right video: Smoke visualisation around an Ahmed Body involves introducing a fine, non-toxic smoke into the airstream, which traces the airflow patterns as it moves past the object. This technique allows researchers to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of the Ahmed Body, including flow separation and vortex formation.


Testing Section

  • Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with an open-return wind tunnel, boasting a spacious 4m x 2m x 2m plenum for all your testing needs.

Testing Capabilities

  • Powered by two powerful motors, our centrifugal fans can generate wind speeds of up to a staggering 30m/s with a bypass and a rolling road, allowing for the most accurate and professional aerodynamic tests in the field of automotive, mechanical, architecture, and civil engineering.
  • PC controlled 3-axis traverse system: Providing unparalleled precision and control during any aerodynamic testing. This advanced system allows for precise movement of the test model in the wind tunnel, with the ability to control the position of the model in the X, Y, and Z axes.
  • Smoke flow visualization system: The Northumbria University Wind Tunnel is equipped with a smoke flow visualization system, which allows for the non-intrusive observation of fluid flow patterns in the wind tunnel

Equipment

  • Smart Pressure Scanner: A cutting-edge data acquisition system, designed to provide fully calibrated and temperature compensated data with high accuracy and precision. It is fully compatible with all TE/PSI 64 channel pressure scanners, including QDC options, and boasts an accuracy output of up to 0.05% FS. Smart Pressure Scanner is a perfect tool for reliable, accurate, and high-speed data acquisition.
  • Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV): The Northumbria University Wind Tunnel is equipped with a Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system, which allows non-intrusive measurements of two or three velocity components (2C or 3C) in a planar section of gas or liquid flows. The PIV system is a powerful tool for detailed and accurate velocity information in their flow field measurements.
  • Constant Temperature Anemometry (CTA): The Northumbria University Wind Tunnel is equipped with a Constant Temperature Anemometry (CTA) system, which provides accurate and precise measurements of fluid velocity in a range of temperatures. The CTA system provides detailed and accurate velocity information, making it a valuable tool in a variety of fields.
  • Versatile force balance system: The Northumbria University Wind Tunnel is equipped with a versatile force balance system that allows for accurate and precise measurement of single and multi-axis forces and moments. The force balance system is made up of a combination of balances and load cells that are designed to measure forces and moments in different directions.
  • Digital seven-hole probe system: The Northumbria University Wind Tunnel is equipped with a state-of-the-art Digital Seven-Hole Probe system, which allows for accurate measurement of the static and dynamic pressure distribution around an object in the wind tunnel.

Data Acquisition and Software

  • Our users will benefit from a highly customizable yet user friendly LabVIEW interface for controlling the wind tunnel and its peripherals, thus offering a unified system for testing and data acquisition.
  • Furthermore, our facility has industry leading software such as Tecplot 360, Ensight and ParaVIEW for parametric studies and advanced post processing. Our software suite also consists of Solidworks, CATIA, ANSYS and OpenFOAM software packages with access to a powerful HPC

 

Additonal Features

  • Our wind tunnel is supported by a rapid prototyping facilities consisting of Resin and FDM 3D printers, vacuum forming workshops as well as CNC laser cutters and multi-material 3-5 axis metal/wood/foam CNC mills and machining workshops capable of producing complex and detailed models for all your testing needs.
  • Combined with our highly experienced technical staff with over 20 year of model making experience, the Northumbria University Aero Lab is capable of providing a one stop destination to take your project from concept to completion.

Contact Us

We welcome any inquiries or feedback you may have. If you would like an informal chat, to learn more details about our facilities, services, research/collaboration opportunities, please feel free to contact our Academic Lead, Dr Shaun Shen, at shaun.shen@northumbria.ac.uk or +44 (0) 191 227 4327. He will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have.


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