The main experimental facility of the Laboratory of Aerodynamics is the low speed (subsonic) closed circuit wind tunnel (maximum speed 60 m/s). It is high precision measuring facility which can be used in a broad range of experimental applications. It is powered by a seven blade axial fan of 350 hp. The maximum speed in the smallest section is 60m/s and the turbulence level 0.2%.
The total length of the wind tunnel is 32 m and it consists of 3 test sections:
| Width (m) | Height (m) | Max. speed (m/s) |
| 4.5 | 3.5 | 9.5 |
| 3.5 | 2.5 | 17.0 |
| 1.8 | 1.4 | 60.0 |
| ● | A PIV system is available, allowing velocity field measurements on a plain. |
| ● | Load measurements are performed using a 6 component balance and a 6 component load pad. |
| ● | Localised flow velocity measurements are performed by means of hot wire velocimetry and 7 hole pitot tubes. |
| ● | A Laser-Doppler apparatus is available for measuring fluid velocities with the use of laser beams, based on the Doppler frequency shift of the optical signals. The LDA technique has been used in pulsating flows in closed ducts of small dimensions (expanding or contracting and, branching ducts) in which the blood circulation is simulated. |
| ● | Multiple channels pressure scanners are available for measuring static pressure distributions on aerodynamic bodies. |
| ● | Flow visualizations are performed using smoke and a Laser source, liquid crystals and ÔiÏ2-oil compound. |
Small wind tunnels
The Laboratory is also equipped with three small wind tunnels of typical test section 30cm by 40cm and a wind speed of 40 m/s. These tunnels are used mainly for educational purposes and for basic research on smaller size models.
Complex supplementary facilities
The Laboratory is also equipped with three small wind tunnels of typical test section 30cm by 40cm and a wind speed of 40 m/s. These tunnels are used mainly for educational purposes and for basic research on smaller size models.
Complex supplementary facilities
| ● | Machine shop: is equipped with lathes of high precision for the accurate construction of the special equipment required for the experiments as for example airfoil models, airplane wings, metal propellers etc |
| ● | Model shop: is equipped with typical machines for wood curving and with a pantographic machine in which special models such as ships, fuselages, vehicles etc can be constructed |
Measuring techniques