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Transonic/Supersonic

City, University of London

The Transonic Wind Tunnel at City University has a test section size of 0.2 m x 0.25 m x 0.5 m and a M number range of 0.5 – 2. It boasts an internal 5-component sting balance (-5 – +20˚ alpha range, ±180˚ roll) and the latest in pressure, surface shear, Schlieren and shadowgraph techniques, PIV and 3D LDV.

This transonic facility is used mainly for aerospace-related studies, given the high velocity that can be reached in the relatively large (for its speed) test section. Shock-wave-boundary-layer interaction, turbine blade aerodynamics, rocket science and the effect of heat exchange are just a few examples of studies. Numerous research activities are carried out in this facility, alongside a variety of aerospace contact work (Bombardier and Meggit, currently) and undergraduate projects. The tunnel is equipped with a full optical access section, which allows a variety of techniques to be used (e.g. Laser Doppler Anemometry, Stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry, flow visualisation). 

Location:
City University of London
Test Section 1 size:
0.91 x 0.91 x 3m
6.75:1 contraction ratio.
Test Section 2 (Return) size:
5.7 x 2.8 x 18m
Max. speed: 12 m/s.
Operational Status:
Active
Number and Type of Staff:
Scientific: 3+
Technical Support: 2
Test support:
Workshop for wind tunnel model design, manufacture and modification capability.
Designation:
Closed return, induction driven
Performance:
Mach Number: 0.4 – 2.0 (max)
Maximum Flow Speed: Mach 2
Reynolds No: up to 20 x10⁶/m (max)
Total Pressure: 1 to 1.2 bar
Temperature: Ambient
Turbulence intensity: < 0.5%
Run Time: 30 s (max)
Typical Recharge Time: 20 minutes
Testing Capabilities:
Model Support: internal 5-component sting balance (-5°- +20° alpha range, ±180° roll)
Rolling Road: 2.1 x 1.8m rubber/fabric belt, 41m/s, water cooled, variable profile belt suction system, twin variable speed boundary layer flow-control ahead of road.
Data Acquisition: Multiple channel simultaneous data acquisition.
Outputs: Forces & moments, pressure.
Flow visualisation: Surface oilflow, Schlieren and shadowgraph.
Specialist Rigs:
Air blowing: 10 bar max pressure.
Fully automated Road Vehicle testing to 50% scale models.
Automated Traverse system
Model motion control system (automated pitch, manual roll and yaw)
Full atmospheric boundary layer simulation capability
Equipment:
PressureSensitivePaint/Temperature SensitivePaint/SkinFriction/PIVSystem ISSI Engineering
InnovationTomographicPIV System /Planar LaserInducedFluorescenceSystemLA Vision
3-ComponentDual ProbeLDA Dantec
3DScanningVibrometer(1MHz) PolytecModelForceBalance/DataAcquisition/Model Motion Control Aero Tech/Flow Dynamics
DTCIntium DAQ and2x64 ChannelPressureScanners Chell