The University of Notre Dame in Indiana has marked the opening of a large Mach 10 quiet wind tunnel, the first and only facility of its kind in the world.
The facility supplies a unique environment for exploring hypersonic flight dynamics, turbulence, flight control and propulsion. Designed for high-quality flow and cost-effective testing, the facility represents a major milestone in hypersonic research. In addition to advancing aerospace technology, it will play a crucial role in training and workforce development.
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‘Our new large Mach 10 quiet wind tunnel embodies Notre Dame’s commitment to boundary-breaking research in aerospace engineering and fluid dynamics,’ said Jeffrey F Rhoads, vice president for research and professor in the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. ‘We are proud to serve the nation by advancing our hypersonic capabilities and enabling tomorrow’s hypersonic workforce through this one-of-a-kind facility.’
‘This facility will allow researchers to conduct experiments that could lead to the development of faster and more effective systems,’ said Admiral Christopher Grady, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the nation’s second-highest-ranking military officer. ‘As we push the boundaries of what is possible, we will also be leading advancements in commercial aerospace, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. By developing technologies that harness hypersonic systems and speeds, we can envision a future where air travel is faster, safer and more efficient, thus connecting the world like never before. In addition, the cross-disciplinary nature of hypersonic research will foster innovation and train the next generation of our workforce of engineers, scientists and skilled artisans to think beyond conventional boundaries.’
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The new wind tunnel adds a new chapter to Notre Dame’s history of excellence in aerospace-related innovation. That history dates back to 1882, when Notre Dame student Albert Francis Zahm, who would later become a faculty member at the university, built one of the world’s first wind tunnels on campus. Zahm was among the first to conclude that slender, curved surfaces shaped like a bird’s wing would make the best airplane wings and propellers.
The new wind tunnel was designed by Thomas Corke, Notre Dame’s Clark equipment professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering, along with doctoral students Joseph Heston and Jacob Caldwell. Five additional doctoral students in Corke’s research group contributed to the tunnel design and assembly. Research associate professor Eric Matlis and David Cavalieri, mechanical and aerospace engineer in the Engineering and Design Core Facility, also contributed to the tunnel design. The team overcame pandemic-related supply challenges to bring the project to life, working alongside local manufacturers across the Midwest.
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The new facility will serve several immediate purposes. It will help address backlogs at Department of Defense testing facilities, enhancing the ability of aerospace companies to move swiftly from concept to prototype. The facility will provide a key resource to support a planned graduate programme in hypersonic systems, and it will also create outstanding career opportunities for students interested in military service, aerospace engineering and research careers at US national laboratories.
‘Innovation in hypersonics is a critical priority for ensuring the safety and prosperity of our nation in the 21st century,’ said Corke. ‘The foundation of that innovation lies in a workforce with a strong base of expertise in aerospace engineering, materials science, manufacturing and data analysis – skills essential to tackling the unique challenges posed by hypersonic flight. Building a pipeline for talent into future careers in hypersonic systems is crucial, which means engaging students at all ages and academic levels.’