Transonic industrial wind tunnel testing in the 2020s

Wind tunnels remain an essential element in the design and development of flight vehicles. However, graduates in aerospace engineering tend to have had little exposure to the demands of industrial experimental work, particularly at high speed, a situation exacerbated by a lack of up-to-date reference material. In an attempt to fill this gap, this paper presents an overview of the current and near-term status and usage of transonic industrial wind tunnels. The review is aimed at recent entrants to the field, with the aim of helping them make the step from research projects in small university facilities to commercial projects in large industrial facilities. In addition, a picture has emerged from the review that contradicts received wisdom that the wind tunnel is in decline. Globally, the industrial transonic wind tunnel is undergoing somewhat of a renaissance. Numbers are increasing, investment levels are rising, capabilities are being enhanced, and facilities are busy.

Automated summary

Wind tunnels play a crucial role in the design and development of flight vehicles, but aerospace engineering graduates often lack practical experience in industrial experimental work, especially at high speeds, due to inadequate reference material. This paper provides an overview of the current and future usage of transonic industrial wind tunnels, aiming to help newcomers transition from university research projects to commercial projects in larger industrial facilities. Additionally, the review contradicts the belief that wind tunnels are declining, as there is a global renaissance in industrial transonic wind tunnel development, with increasing numbers, investments, capabilities, and facility utilization.