Large wind tunnel (test section area 9m X 9m) which can accommodate a variety of surface vehicles, ground structures and aerospace models with air velocity up to 55m/s.
The 9 m wind tunnel is a large, state-of-the-art, high-security facility capable of accommodating a variety of surface vehicles, ground-based structures and aerospace models. Operated by experienced engineers and technicians, it is the facility of choice for several international original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). As the largest subsonic wind tunnel in Canada (and third largest in the world), it has the unique capability of testing full-scale surface transportation vehicles in order to provide ‘real-world’ results in a controlled experimental setting.
The NRC has recognized expertise in wind tunnel correction methodologies, pressure-sensitive paint technology, model deformation measurement capability and flow mapping. Our world-renowned team includes aerodynamicists, technicians and business experts that will support your research and technology development initiatives with professional services and industry know-how. Working in our unique facilities to test, validate and demonstrate your product provides a controlled environment to de-risk new and experimental products with reliable data that will be critical in the large-scale or commercial development of your product.
- Testing of full-scale automobiles and commercial vehicles, scale models of ground structures, such as buildings and bridges, and aircraft models
- Aerodynamic assessment
- Flow visualization
- Measurement of loads and drag
- Data reduction and customized client data output
- Aerospace and satellites
- Automotive
- Defence and security industries
- Transportation
Specialized labs and equipment
| Equipment | Function |
|---|---|
| Main Tunnel Pyramidal Balance | 6-component underfloor external balance |
| 5 and 6-component internal balances | Balance sizes range from 0.25 inches to 3 inches in diameter; can accommodate a variety of load ranges |
| Data acquisition system | 320 analog channels, 48 sensor channels with signal conditioning capabilities, 512 pressure channels, 16 thermocouple channels |
| Boundary Layer Control System | Improves the ground simulation for aerodynamic testing of surface vehicles. It is designed to minimize any influence on the free-stream flow quality. |
| Ground Effect Simulation System | Simulates the appropriate relative motions between the vehicle, the ground, and the air. |
| Road Turbulence System | Provides road-representative turbulence within test section |
| Supplementary instrumentation | Pressure transducers, laser distance meters, strain gauges, vane anemometers, 5-hole and cobra probes, accelerometers |
| LabVIEW | LabVIEW-based data acquisition and MATLAB-based data reduction system |
Private and public sector research partners
- Transport Canada
Additional information
| Title | URL |
|---|---|
| The NRC Wind Tunnel | https://ottawa.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=664693 |