Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics research is directed toward a better understanding of the fundamental laws governing the flow of fluids. Research topics of recent interest include: numerical methods in aerodynamics; computational fluid mechanics; separated flow around wings and bodies at high angles of attack; aerodynamics of rotors and propellers; boundary layers, wakes and jets in V/STOL applications and aerodynamic noise; experimental measurements using laser systems; laminar-turbulent transition in high speed boundary layers.
Facilities
Ludwieg tube with a 9.5-inch Mach-6 quiet-flow test section. Instrumentation is specialized for study of laminar-turbulent instability and transition, and includes high-speed hot wires, fast-response pressure transducers, hot-film arrays and anemometers, a high-sensitivity laser-differential interferometer, a glow-discharge perturber, and a pulsed laser perturber.
More about the Boeing/AFOSR Mach-6 Quiet TunnelBoeing/AFOSR Mach-6 Quiet Tunnel
- Lead Professor: Joseph Jewell
- Location: AERO
- Ludwieg tube concept
- Laminar-turbulent transition
- Lab Website
The joint laboratory of the CoE’s Plasma Preeminent Team conducts fundamental research on low-temperature plasmas for a wide range of applications: from aerodynamics and propulsion to reconfigurable radio-frequency systems to sustainable agriculture.
Plasma Lab
- Lead Professor: Sergey Macheret
- Location: MSEE 341
- The joint laboratory of the CoE’s Plasma Preeminent Team conducts fundamental research on low-temperature plasmas for a wide range of applications: from aerodynamics and propulsion to reconfigurable radio-frequency systems to sustainable agriculture.
The High-Vacuum Facility offers a wide range of vacuum, thermal and micropropulsion test capabilities including micro-Newton force measurement for microthruster testing.
Vacuum Technology Lab
- Lead Professor: Alina Alexeenko
- Location: AERO 18A
- Large vacuum chamber
- MicroNewton Thrust Stand
- Lab Website
The goal of Advanced Lyophilization Technology Hub (LyoHub) is to advance the science and technology of freeze-drying/lyophilization. LyoHub’s members include companies in the pharmaceutical and food processing sectors, equipment manufacturers and university researchers, who combine their expertise and resources to accomplish the goal. Immediate objectives are: (i) to identify and disseminate Best Practices for lyophilization equipment performance, testing and validation and (ii) to conduct applied research to advance lyophilization processes and products.
LyoHUB Laboratory
- Lead Professor: Alina Alexeenko
- Location: BRK 2261
- Lyostar freeze-dryer
- FreezeBoost controlled nucleation technology
- Lab Website
Development of experiments for the study of basic fluid physics and for spaceflight technology advancement of systems which rely on two-phase, that is both liquid and gas, flow systems in space.
Aerospace Two-Phase Flow Lab
- Lead Professor: Steven Collicott
- Location: ARMS 3191/ARMS B195
- Allows for the study of the effects of microgravity on combustion/fluid dynamics
Experimental studies of transient plasma discharges and development of plasma actuators for flow and combustion control.
More about the Plasma and Flow Visualization LabPlasma and Flow Visualization Lab
- Lead Professor: Sally Bane
- Location: AERO 37
- Lab Website
Electric Propulsion and Plasma Lab
The Electric Propulsion and Plasma Laboratory (EPPL) conducts research is various areas of experimental plasma science and engineering - with a special emphasis on diagnostics and applications of plasmas to electric propulsion, combustion, flow control, and biomedical engineering.
Electric Propulsion and Plasma Lab
- Lead Professor: Alexey Shashurin
- Location: ARMS B107
- Lab Website
Boeing Compressible-Flow Laboratory
Three small high-speed facilities: 2-inch blowdown tunnel; A one-inch supersonic jet apparatus; and a 3-inch shock tube.
Boeing Compressible-Flow Laboratory
- Lead Professor: Steven Schneider
- Location: AERO (ASL) 29A
- 2-inch blowdown tunnel
- 1-inch supersonic jet apparatus
- 3-inch shock tube
- Also includes Boeing/AFOSR MACH-6 Quiet Tunnel
- Lab Website
Small Experimental Tunnels
Three small low-speed wind tunnels are available. One has an 18-inch diameter test section, and the other two have test sections of 12 by 18 inches. A water tunnel is also available, with a 15x20-inch test section. Several small calibration tunnels are also available.
Small Experimental Tunnels
- Lead Professor: Steven Schneider
- Location: AERO (ASL)
- 18-inch diameter test section
- 12" X 18" test sections (X2)
- 15" X 20" water tunnel
- Several small calibration tunnels
- Lab Website
Boeing 4' x 6' Subsonic Tunnel
Large subsonic wind tunnel with two test sections -- a closed 4-by-6 foot section with model mounting provisions and a long test section adapted for high-lift research. The first test section is equipped with a three-component balance system.
Boeing 4' x 6' Subsonic Tunnel
- Lead Professor: John Sullivan
- Twin pylon mounting
- Remotely-controlled angle-of-attack arm
- Lab Website