Wind Tunnel

About 

SAFL has a large-scale wind tunnel that is designed to study the boundary layer effects on natural and urban environments. The atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) tunnel is powered by at 200 hp fan and can operate with recirculating or once-through flow and can reach speeds up to 148 feet per second (45 meters per second). The tunnel has temperature control capabilities that allow for study effects of thermal stratification in atmosphere on structures. Other facility features include a rotating turntable, a smoke generator, and an automated local 3D traverse system. The wind tunnel also has a glass wall for observation and media capture. 

Turbine models in wind tunnel
Small turbine models in the SAFL wind tunnel
Photos of the soil box project. The left photo shows a below ground pit with soil measurement devices. The right photo shows the same pit filled with soil.
Wind tunnel with an array of colorful pipe cleaners sticking up from the ground
Photo of a turbine blade section in the SAFL wind tunnel
Photo of Wind Tunnel with a scientist adjusting small turbine models

Specifications

  • Plan length: 123 ft (37.5 m)
  • Test section 1 dimensions: 52 x 5 x 5.6 ft (16 x 1.5 x 1.7 m)
  • Test section 1 discharge velocity: 148 ft/s (45 m/s)
  • Test section 2 dimensions: 60 x 8 x 8 ft (18 x 2.4 x 2.4 m)
  • Test section 2 discharge velocity: 62 ft/s (19 m/s)

Measurement Capabilities 

  • laser instrumentation and imaging system (PIV)
  • hotwire, croswire, and 3-wire anemometers
  • pitot-static tubes
  • force balance
  • heat flux sensors
  • termocouple array

Visit the Experts at Minnesota page for SAFL's wind tunnel to learn more about research in this facility