The University has a long history of aerospace and combustion engineering studies, offering cutting edge classroom and laboratory instruction. Supersonic wind tunnels are used to support the instruction and education of undergraduate and graduate students in aerospace engineering using modern instruments as well as to support research into combustion processes at supersonic air speeds. This instruction and research help affirm the University as a leading education destination worldwide in the area of combustion research in high velocity flows and undergraduate and graduate education and research in supersonic flow for aerospace
applications.

The wind tunnel facilities are employed not only for research activities, but integrated into our educational programs through such mechanisms as Senior Design, our course in Experimental Aerodynamics, independent undergraduate and graduate research, honors projects, and student projects through AIAA targeting publication in national meeting venues. The supersonic wind tunnel will provide experiential learning opportunities that are highly relevant in national defense. In fact, many of our students will have increased internship opportunities because of experience with this equipment.

The current 6” supersonic wind tunnel is approximately 60 years old and is no longer operational, inhibiting the University from meeting its educational objectives for providing its students the highest quality of opportunities for training and education. To update the existing equipment to meet the University’s needs is significantly cost prohibitive and not recommended by the manufacturer.