The University of Glasgow’s upgraded wind tunnel facilities and infrastructure for aerospace engineering research, development and teaching have been formally opened at the National Wind Tunnel and Testing Facility.
A series of research projects at the Scottish university will begin to create greener, faster and safer transportation, as well as new technologies for renewables and infrastructure. Other projects, funded by the European Space Agency, will help to develop spacecraft capable of exploring the cosmos.
The site is the only one in the UK offering the capability for research and industry to test and simulate vehicles and technologies in subsonic, transonic, supersonic and hypersonic wind speeds.
The University of Glasgow’s involvement in aerospace engineering research and development began in the 1940s and has led to many partnerships with industry leaders including AgustaWestland, IHI-Corporation-Japan, BAe Systems and Bombardier.
Professor Konstantinos Kontis (above), the university’s Mechan Chair of Engineering, said, “The University of Glasgow has a proud history of innovative aerospace engineering, and the official opening of our wind tunnel and testing facilities marks the start of an exciting new chapter for us. It also allows us to expand our learning, teaching and research capabilities.”
The university is part of the Vertical-Lift Network Consortium and the National Rotor Rig facility. Both of these UK university/industry consortia are funded by the Aerospace Technology Institute. The National Rotor Rig facility will help test and demonstrate new technologies to help drive helicopter performance improvements, and the development of next generation wind turbines.
February 26, 2016
