Energy and Sustainability Laboratory

Providing engineering students with hands-on experience of experimentation and analysis in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics

 
The Energy and Sustainability Laboratory provides engineering students with hands-on experience of experimentation and analysis in thermodynamics and fluid mechanics using modern laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and data capture techniques.
A 180kph sub-sonic wind tunnel, rolling road dynamometer, and numerous other experimental equipment allow students to observe and evaluate the working principles of different engineering systems. The practical activities in this laboratory reinforce understanding of operational behaviour of thermos-fluid dynamic systems when compared to scientific theory and numerical simulation.
This laboratory is also available for commercial research and development activities.
 

Sub-sonic wind tunnel

The wind tunnel is used for teaching, research and commercial purposes.
  • Test section size: 1.5m wide x 1.0m high x 3.0m long
  • Test section access: Full size transparent panel openings on both sides
  • Max speed: 50 m/s
  • Turbulence intensity: 0.2%
  • Velocity uniformity: 0.3%
  • Flow angularity: +/-0.2 degrees.
  • Boundary layer extraction system on working section floor.
Sub-sonic wind tunnel, Energy and Sustainability Laboratory, Babbage Building
Force / moment measurement
  • 6-component underfloor balance.
  • Model supports are fixed to a turntable which sits flush with the working section floor.
  • Balance is mounted on a yaw drive which allows rotary motion of the turntable and gives control over model yaw angle.
  • Various model mounting configurations possible as the turntable has a range of mount locations.
Balance load range
  • Drag: +/- 400N
  • Side: +/- 1000N
  • Lift: +/- 1000N
  • Roll: +/- 300Nm
  • Pitch: +/- 200Nm
  • Yaw: +/- 200Nm
Sub-sonic wind tunnel, Energy and Sustainability Laboratory, Babbage building
Sub-sonic wind tunnel, Energy and Sustainability Laboratory, Babbage building