Aerodynamic Test Facilities

Aerodynamic / Aero-acoustic testing impacts the customer's value by improving:

Fuel economy
Wind noise and buffeting
Ride and handling
Water management
Maximum speed and acceleration,
Ventilation of the cabin
Heating and cooling of the cabin
Water and dirt deposits
Reliability

We offer a full scale aero-acoustic wind tunnel and an aerodynamic model test facility. Both facilities are staffed with operations engineers, skilled mechanics and clay modelers to meet the needs of our customers.

Services

Aerodynamic testing
Aero-acoustic testing with state of the art acoustic measurement devices
3/8ths scale aerodynamic testing
Frontal area measurement for both full scale and 3/8ths scale models
Pressures
Prop anemometers
Cooling module development
Clay modeling support
Model and parts fabrication
3D Imaging

Full Scale Wind Tunnel

300ft² nozzle exit area (28m²).
Semi-open jet
Wheel base and track upper and lower limits:
Max: wheel base 148 inches (3759 mm), track 75 inches (1900 mm)
Min: wheel base 68 inches (1727 mm), track 46 inches (1168mm)
Test section: 48 ft. wide by 33 ft high and 68 ft. long, 14.6 m wide by 10.1 m high by 20.7 m long
Wind speed up to 140 MPH (225 KPH).
Unique 2-stage system to provide very low boundary layer thickness in the region of the turntable
Total boundary layer thickness at the location of the front tires is 1.0” (30 mm) – d*=3mm
Sound level in the test chamber is less than 62.4 dB(A) at 87 MPH (140 KPH)
Able to maintain constant temperatures for precise acoustic testing.
Six component balance with <.01% accuracy
Provides lift, drag, side forces and moments (pitch, yaw, and roll).
Yaw capability to the full range of angles, ±180

Aerodynamic Model Wind Tunnel - 3/8ths Scale

Semi-open jet test section
180 MPH wind capability simulates 65 MPH vehicle vs. road
Six component balance which provides lift, drag, side forces and moments (pitch, yaw, and roll).
Secondary systems provide capability for 300 static pressure measurements and a hot wire system to assess three-dimensional velocity flow field mapping.

Aerodynamic Test Models

The refinement done on an aerodynamic test model during a test can lessen the drag which has a direct impact on fuel consumption in the final product.

Fabrication of Full Size Aerodynamic/Acoustical Test Properties

Our team will fabricate a property to be tested or can simply assemble your own design. Our fabrication process of full size aerodynamic and acoustical vehicles is derived through the use of CATIA, surface plates, and multiple materials that that are milled and formed to represent the vehicles exterior design and interior volume.

Fabrication of 3/8th Scale Aerodynamic Test Properties

We provide efficient and cost effective fabrication of 3/8 scale aerodynamic models through the use of latest fabrication technologies coupled with years of experience and innovative thinking. Our services enable your company to facilitate the development of exterior shapes and underbody components early in the development process. This will eliminate the need for costly changes later in the development process.

3/8 Scale underbody component fabrication
3/8 Scale underbody installation
3/8 Scale clay property model preparation