Facilities
The Centre has well-equipped research laboratories and computational resources, reflecting the strength and interest of automotive and automotive-related research at Durham University. Major items of equipment include:
Wind Tunnels
We currently have eight wind tunnels located within the School of Engineering which are used for research in turbomachinery, wind engineering and aeronautics as well as automotive studies. The largest is the 2m2 tunnel that was designed and constructed within the School of Engineering specifically for automotive research.
The Durham Automotive Wind Tunnel
Specification:
- Maximum model size 40% full scale
- Moving ground plane
- Open jet design
- Open return
- Long working section to allow slipstreaming studies
- 3 and 6-componment force balances available with computer data system
- Computer controlled supporting strut with height and pitch control
- Laser ride height sensing at two positions
- 3-D PIV System with computer controlled traverse system
- Multi-axis probe traversing system
- Multi-channel pressure sensing system ( up to 144 channels )
- Fast response pressure transducer bank for transient studies
- Wheel surface pressure telemetry system
Available for:
- Collaborative research
- Consultancy
- Commercial testing