2 m x 3 m wind tunnel

The 2 m x 3 m wind tunnel is a world-class facility for subsonic aeronautical and industrial testing. It has been used extensively by commercial organizations, universities, and government for research and development in the areas of steady and unsteady aircraft aerodynamics, surface vehicle aerodynamics, marine hydrodynamics, aeroacoustics, wind-engineering and wind-energy generation.

Areas of expertise also include:

• Aeroacoustic measurements
• Aerodynamic stability and structural response
• Static and aeroelastic wind tunnel model design
• Sport aerodynamics
• Vehicle and structure dynamics
• All aspects of wind tunnel test technology, including flow visualization and instrumentation

NRC Aerospace researchers and experts continually pioneer specialized test rigs, flow simulations, and measurement techniques to augment the tunnel's capabilities. They also have proven capabilities in model design, construction and instrumentation; appropriate test program selection; and data analysis and interpretation.

The 2 m x 3 m wind tunnel provides a superior and secure working environment for commercial or government customers at a single, all-inclusive, hourly fee. Experts provide a full range of consulting services to support any aerodynamic investigation at competitive commercial rates. Integrated data acquisition and control systems complement the aerodynamic capabilities of the facility and are tailored to the needs of each client. Carefully performed wind tunnel measurements are the cornerstone of cost-effective design when subsonic and unsteady aerodynamics are important.

Technical specifications

Tunnel geometry:

• Test section: 1.9 m x 2.7 m x 5.2 m
• Test section area:
• Standard: 5.07 m2
• Groundboard: variable height
• Contraction ratio: 9:1

Tunnel characteristics:

• Fan power: 1.5 MW
• Maximum speed: 1 40 m/s
• Speed uniformity: ±0.7%
• Turbulence level: 0.14%
• Longitudinal static pressure gradient:
• Standard: negligible
• Groundboard: 0.0044 Cp / m

Auxiliary Systems:

• Compressed air: up to 2,000 kPa
• Dew point ( 40°C): 2.7 kg/s
• Undried: 5.0 kg/s
• Model supports:
• 3-D steady state: 3 point and single strut supports
• 3-D unsteady: sting
• 2-D steady state: upper air bearing
• Flow traverse rigs: several, automated
• Acoustic liner: anechoic above 400 Hz

Main balance:

• Measurement accuracy: ±0.1% to ±0.05% full-scale
• Maximum model weight: 450 kg
• Lift, drag, side force (kN): ±6.7, ±2.3, ±4.4
• Pitch, yaw, roll (kN m): ±2.7, ±2.7, ±2.7

Data system and instrumentation:

• A/D channels: 24 & 16 bit @ 100 kHz, custom configurations
• Redundant tunnel condition sensors
• Software: test-specific MatLab code, Labview
• Model/probe control: 16-axes, Aerotech
• Pressure measurements: Scanivalve ZOC^™ Kulite
• Anemometry: hot-film/hot-wire
• Balances: internal (TASK, NRC, various) and external (cruciform, various)
• Flow visualization: Particle image velocimetry (PIV), acoustic array, pressure sensitive paint, smoke, surface oil film, fluorescent mini-tuft