A subsonic wind tunnel facility for undergraduate engineering technology education

Development of knowledge and expertise in the design and use of experimental techniques is critical in engineering technology curricula. Consequently, the effective use of experimental equipment and facilities is very important. In the School of Technology at Arizona State University, a closed circuit subsonic wind tunnel with a 4×5 foot test section capable of speeds between 30 and 200 ft/sec is maintained primarily for teaching wind tunnel testing techniques to Aeronautical Engineering Technology students, as well as students from other engineering technology disciplines. This paper describes the development of this facility and a course that is taught at the senior level in the Aeronautical Engineering Technology program in wind tunnel testing. Although the wind tunnel is the most important experimental tool of the aerodynamicist, there are many other applications that allow the incorporation of the facility into the Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Technology curricula. For example, the wind tunnel has been used for many non-aerodynamic purposes such as studies in heat transfer, wind loads on structures, and automotive applications. Consequently, as will be described, students from all engineering technology programs at ASU utilize and benefit directly from the facility.