Subsonic Aerodynamics Lab

The Subsonic Aerodynamics Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois maintains 3 subsonic wind tunnels for applied and basic aerodynamics research along with a wide selection of data acquisition equipment. The tunnels and equipment are briefly given below:

Wind Tunnel Facilities
  • 3x4 ft Subsonic Wind Tunnel - 0 to 160 mph, low turbulence, optical access
  • 15x15 in. Subsonic PIV Wind Tunnel - 0 to 270 mph
Data Acquisition and Reduction
  • Aerotech 3-component floor balance for airfoil testing
  • Airfoil hinge-moment balance system
  • 1-component force balance and total head probe traverse system for low Reynolds number (60,000 < Re < 500,000) airfoil measurements
  • 2-component, fiber-optic LDV with computer controlled traverse
  • 2-channels of hot-wire anemometry
  • HP 35665A Dynamic Signal Analyzer
  • PSI electronically scanned pressure system
  • Several Data Translation and National Instruments data acquisition boards (16-bit resolution and 140 kHz capability)
  • 8 channels of signal conditioning with low- and high-pass filters.
  • Extensive PC and workstation facilities for data acquisition, computation, data reduction and presentation
  • (3) MKS 1mm Hg and (1) 10mm Hg differential pressure transducers
  • 3-D model oscillation and positioning system.
  • Rolling Hills Research Corp Constant Temperature Anemometers (CTA - 48 channels)
  • Tao Systems Senflex Surface Hot-Film Sensors (various configurations)
  • Helium-bubble generator, smoke generator, photographic equipment including digital camera for flow visualization
  • Misc. pressure transducers, hot-films and wires, thermocouples, digital volt meters etc.



3x4 ft Wind Tunnel Test Section




15x15 in. Subsonic PIV Wind Tunnel




Control Room




Equipment Rack




Acoustic Silencer on 3x4 ft Wind Tunnel