Gavett 116, Wind Tunnel (Fluids Lab)

What happens in this laboratory?

This lab has a subsonic wind tunnel, which blows air at a constant speed through the test section so we can test how the air interacts and moves around a model object. This tunnel gets up to a speed of over 140 mph (or 60 m/s).

We can use this wind tunnel to measure forces and pressures to calculate the aerodynamic properties on model buildings, turbine blades, vehicles, and so on. These properties can tell an engineer how much lift or drag can be expected with a certain design.

When do students use this lab?

This wind tunnel is used by students during their junior year in ME 241: Mechanics Lab. Students will continue to use this lab through their senior design sequence. It is also available for research.

Department of Mechanical Engineering

The Materials and Solids Lab is housed in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, which offers a BS degree program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, as well as an MS and PhD in mechanical engineering.

Our students use the latest engineering software to problems in the mechanics of:

  • Solids and fluids
  • Materials science
  • Mechanical systems
  • Advanced power applications

They also get broad hands-on laboratory and design experience at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

Ready to become a mechanical engineer? Then come join our hands-on student body and get everything you need to become a well-rounded, career-ready engineer.

Apply to Mechanical Engineering Program