Aerodynamics Laboratory

Overview

The Aerodynamics Laboratory at the Department of Space Engineering & Rocketry provides advanced experimental facilities for the investigation of aerodynamic phenomena across subsonic, supersonic, and hypersonic flow regimes. The laboratory supports postgraduate teaching, doctoral research, and sponsored research projects through state-of-the-art wind-tunnel testing, flow diagnostics, and aerodynamic measurements. It serves as a key platform for the design, analysis, and validation of aerospace vehicles.

Major Experimental Facilities

Subsonic Wind Tunnel

The subsonic wind tunnel is used for experimental investigations of low-speed aerodynamic flows and performance evaluation of different models.

Capabilities

• Flow visualization

• Force and moment measurements

• Pressure distribution studies

• Aerodynamic testing of UAVs and missile configurations

Supersonic Wind Tunnel

The supersonic wind tunnel enables experimental studies in high-speed aerodynamics and compressible flow phenomena.

Capabilities

• Testing up to approximately Mach 3.5

• Shock wave and expansion studies

• High-speed aerodynamic investigations

• Free jet testing

Hypersonic Wind Tunnel

The hypersonic wind tunnel facilitates short-duration testing for research in hypersonic aerodynamics and high-speed vehicle development.

Capabilities

• Testing up to approximately Mach 6

• High-speed flow investigations

• Hypersonic vehicle research

Flow Diagnostics Laboratory

The laboratory is equipped with modern diagnostic systems for visualization and quantitative analysis of complex flow fields.

Facilities

• Schlieren flow visualization

• Shadowgraph visualization

• Pressure measurement systems

• High-speed data acquisition

Anechoic Chamber

The department houses an Anechoic Chamber for experimental investigations in aeroacoustics and acoustic characterization of aerospace systems. The facility supports studies on aerodynamic noise generation and acoustic performance of aerospace components.

Applications

• Acoustic measurements

• Aeroacoustic investigations

• Noise characterization of aerospace systems

Research Areas

The Aerodynamics Laboratory supports research in a broad range of aerospace applications, including:

• Low-speed aerodynamics

• Supersonic aerodynamics

• Hypersonic aerodynamics

• Slender body aerodynamics

• Delta wing aerodynamics

• Missile configurations

• UAV aerodynamics

• Air intake aerodynamics

• Cavity flows

• Flow instabilities

• Shock–boundary layer interaction

• High angle-of-attack aerodynamics

• Experimental fluid mechanics

Academic & Research Applications

The laboratory supports:

• Postgraduate experiments

• Doctoral research

• Sponsored research projects

• Design validation of aerospace systems

• Collaborative research with academic and industries