3.5m × 2.6m Wind Tunnel
Parent Body: University of Southampton, School of Engineering Sciences, Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics Research Group, Highfield, Southampton SO9 5NH

Principal Functions
Forces, velocity measurements, flow visualisation on and around models (including models of marine vehicles).

General Details
The wind tunnel offers a controlled environment for testing models of marine vehicles and equipment. It provides a facility to measure the forces on, and flow around, models of underwater bodies and reflex models of surface vessels. The installed LDA offers the facility to determine local velocities in some detail. The control surface rig/dynamometry offers the facility to test a variety of stabilisers, rudders and marine vehicle appendages. The propeller rig allows detailed investigations of propeller performance and propeller–rudder interaction (in non-cavitating conditions). A yacht balance is available for the measurement of forces and moments and sails.

Specification

• moving grounds
• motor drive systems for propeller testing
• turbulence in main section less than 0.2%
• boundary layer control provides airflow better than 99.8% of free stream velocity at 2mm above moving ground
• 3 axis laser Doppler anemometer
• Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV)
• three component overhead balance - 2.1m × 1.7m
• multi-ride three component load cell balance - 2.1m × 1.7m
• six component overhead balance - 3.5m × 2.6m
  

Special Features
Support staff for the operation of the facility are provided. Extensive data acquisition systems are available.

Availability
The facility is available to other bodies in both the private and public sector. There are no restrictions on the type of body that can apply to use the facility. Approximately six months advance notice is required when asking for time on the facility. Time is allocated to suit demand – there are no particular priorities.

Charging Basis
Charging rates are subject to individual negotiation. There is a possibility of negotiating an exchange agreement. The minimum hire period is two days and the maximum is ten days.

Site Access
The site has ready access for vehicles and local accommodation is available for the hirer’s staff.

Contact Information
Alan Spruce, Manager
School of Engineering Sciences
Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics Research Group
University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO9 5NH
Telephone:  +44 (0)23 8059 3334  Fax:  +44 (0)23 8059 3058
Email:       a.j.spruce@soton.ac.uk
Web Site:  http://www.afm.ses.soton.ac.uk