1.5 m Trisonic Wind Tunnel

National Research Council Canada, Ottawa, Ontario
What the facility does

A pressurized, intermittent-flow wind tunnel capable of providing subsonic, transonic and supersonic flows over the range of Mach 0.1 to 4.25

Areas of expertise

The 1.5 m Trisonic Wind Tunnel has a demonstrated track record in performing aerodynamic assessment through a wide range of operational envelopes over subsonic through to high supersonic flow conditions. These test capabilities have been developed in a secure environment to deliver high-quality aerodynamic data of complete test articles and their sub components.

The facility offers three main test configurations to meet a number of test requirements: 3-dimensional configuration (typically used for missiles or small-scale aircraft models), half-model configuration (enables near full-scale Reynolds number for some Mach numbers), and 2-dimensional (a unique capability to allows testing of airfoils in nearly pure 2-dimensional flow).

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.

Our prominent competencies include stability and control testing, near full-scale Reynolds number testing for half-model business jets, and store separation and release testing for defense aircraft.

Research services

Our services include:

  • test project planning and coordination
  • test optimization
  • model design and fabrication
  • advanced wind tunnel test techniques
  • data analysis and customized data reduction outputs/corrections
  • wind tunnel model instrumentation support
  • computational fluid dynamics simulations

International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restricted models can be tested in the facility.

Sectors of application
  • Aerospace and satellites
  • Defence and security industries
  • Manufacturing and processing

Equipment

Function

5 and 6 degree-of-freedom internal mount TASK Balances

Balance sizes range from 0.25 inches to 3 inches in diameter; can accommodate variety of load ranges

Optitrak Real Time Optical Tracking System

For tracking object location in 3D space within the wind tunnel; particularly suited for stores release testing

Half-Model Balance

5-component balance measures aerodynamic forces/moment for side-wall mounted models; typical use: half-model business jet models

Articulated Sting

Powered mechanical sting; can be actuated to place objects in 3D space within a test section; typical use: stores clearance testing

Custom Stings

Assortment of stings compatible with internal TASK balances and 3D wind tunnel models.

Model Deformation Measurement Systems

Measures aeroelastic deflection of wind tunnel models within the test section

2 Dimensional Test Section

Custom test section used to test airfoil models; side-wall suction devices eliminate the boundary layer and generate 2-dimensional flow over the model

Half-model Test Section

Includes sidewall mounted reflection plane, turntable drive and balance
  • NASA
  • Canadian Department of National Defense

Title

URL

Promotional video: “Blueprint to Data”

https://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/obj/media/d214_17_0562_blueprint_to_data_1080_e.mp4