Afterburner Wind Tunnel Services, LLC

Checkout our new article about Afterburner Wind Tunnel Services and the Wind Tunnel Network. #Engineering #testing #windtunnel

Aerospace Testing News Ground Testing: Laying the Foundation for Flight The advanced VX4 prototype is currently undergoing rigorous testing at Vertical Aerospace's Flight Test Center. Initial powered ground tests, including propeller balancing, have been successfully completed. This meticulous process ensures that each propeller blade's weight distribution is optimized, minimizing vibrations and ensuring smooth, stable flight. The next phase will focus on powered propulsion testing, pushing the aircraft's proprietary battery packs, capable of delivering 1.4MW of peak power, to their limits. Designed and built in-house to meet stringent certification safety standards, these battery packs will undergo tethered tests to prevent unintended lift-off. These tests will measure thrust output at various power levels, assess system integration, and evaluate the structural integrity of the aircraft. Following these tethered tests, the team will progress to low-speed, untethered flights. Vertical Aerospace is working closely with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) throughout the testing process. The company awaits the CAA's Permit to Fly before commencing piloted flights, demonstrating a commitment to safety and regulatory compliance. David King, chief engineer at Vertical Aerospace, highlighted the importance of this collaboration: "We continue to work alongside our regulator to develop the safest and most advanced eVTOL aircraft in the world." This latest VX4 prototype represents a significant improvement over its predecessor. A 20% increase in its power-to-weight ratio translates to enhanced performance and efficiency. The aircraft is designed to achieve a cruise speed of 150 mph (240 km/h), carrying four passengers, making it a viable option for future urban air mobility solutions.

Testing Facility Spotlight Ketiv: Optimizing Product Design with CFD Consulting KETIV Technologies, Inc. offers comprehensive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) consulting services designed to seamlessly integrate with client projects and drive innovation. Their expertise leverages Ansys software and a holistic approach encompassing fluid behavior, fluid-structure interaction, and conjugate heat transfer analysis. Ketiv provides personalized CFD consulting, expert Ansys software training, and complete project support. Their focus is on delivering accurate, cost-effective solutions that enhance product development. Ketiv's expertise extends across various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, energy, electronics, and process engineering. Their applications span aerodynamic analysis, heat exchanger optimization, thermal management, and process improvement. CFD Applications: Ketiv's CFD work includes optimizing the aerodynamic performance of vehicles and aircraft, improving the efficiency of heat exchangers and turbines, ensuring optimal thermal management of electronic components, and optimizing mixing processes and HVAC systems. They provide detailed analysis and comprehensive reports. Ketiv's consultants utilize fundamental fluid dynamics and finite element analysis (FEA) principles. They employ a wide range of Ansys software, including Fluent, Discovery, CFX, Polyflow, Chemkin, Workbench, Rocky, and Autodesk CFD, to deliver precise results and ensure efficient project completion. They are also another great addition to the Afterburner Wind Tunnel Services, LLC network.#CFD #ComputationalFluidDynamics #CFDsoftware #CFDconsulting #Ansys #AnsysFluent #AnsysDiscovery #Simulation #EngineeringSimulation #FEA #FiniteElementAnalysis

Aerospace Testing News UTSA's Giant "Batting Cage" Fuels Drone Innovation A unique structure dominates the eastern edge of the The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) campus: a 60-foot-tall enclosure spanning 15,000 square feet, resembling a colossal cage. But instead of cage fighters, this cage houses cutting-edge drone research, marking a significant advancement for aviation technology . The facility is the first of its kind at a Texas university and one of the largest in the nation. The enclosed nature of the facility allows unrestricted outdoor drone testing. This freedom is crucial for exploring the full potential of drones in various applications. Beyond research, the drone testing site serves as a collaborative space, fostering connections between researchers, students, and the wider community. Its engaging nature makes it an ideal platform for sparking interest in STEM fields, particularly among younger generations. "Drones are exciting. Kids like drones," notes Chris Combs, a UTSA hypersonics professor involved in managing the facility. "So it's a great way to get kids connected and thinking about STEM careers". Drones are already transforming industries like aerial photography, surveillance, disaster management, infrastructure inspection, agriculture, and delivery. However, the technology is still evolving, and UTSA's facility provides a crucial testing ground for pushing its boundaries. "There's a lot of research happening around drones," Combs explains. "They're enablers for a lot of different things that we're still really even trying to figure out what exactly drones are capable of in some areas". The facility is already making a tangible impact. Juan Cruz, a graduate mechanical engineering student, recently tested a $12,000 DJI quadcopter within the enclosure, a feat impossible elsewhere due to FAA regulations. The facility has also enabled UTSA's civil engineering department to test a drone purchased three years ago but previously unusable due to lack of a suitable testing space. #drones #droneresearch #dronetechnology #dronetesting #UAV #unmannedaerialvehicles #aviation #aviationtechnology #aerospace #aerospaceengineering

Wind Tunnel Network Spotlight UTSA's Mach 7 Ludwieg Tube: A Hypersonic Powerhouse on Afterburner Wind Tunnel Services, LLC Network. The The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) runs- a cutting-edge hypersonic wind tunnel, the Mach 7 Ludwieg Tube. This impressive facility, recently completed, allows researchers to study the complex dynamics of hypersonic flight, pushing the boundaries of aerospace engineering. Hypersonic Testing: Why Mach 7? Hypersonic speeds, defined as Mach 5 and above (five times the speed of sound), present unique challenges for aircraft and spacecraft design. The extreme temperatures and pressures generated at these speeds create complex interactions between the vehicle and the surrounding air. Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing efficient and safe hypersonic vehicles. The UTSA Mach 7 Ludwieg Tube provides a controlled environment to study these phenomena. The Ludwieg tube design is a clever method for generating short bursts of hypersonic flow. It consists of a long, pressurized driver tube connected to a nozzle and a vacuum reservoir. When a valve separating the driver tube and the nozzle is opened, the high-pressure gas in the driver tube rushes through the nozzle, expanding rapidly and accelerating to hypersonic speeds in the test section. This creates a brief period of steady-state hypersonic flow ideal for experimental measurements. The UTSA Mach 7 Ludwieg Tube boasts impressive specifications: 🚀 Mach Number: 7.2 - Simulating flight conditions significantly faster than the speed of sound. 🚀 Test Section: 8″ x 8″ - Providing ample space for experimental models. 🚀 Pressure: 50-2000 psia - Allowing for a wide range of pressure conditions. 🚀 Temperature: 800°F / 700 K - Replicating the intense heat experienced during hypersonic flight. 🚀 Unit Reynolds Number: 3-60 × 10⁶ ft⁻¹ - Controlling the scaling of aerodynamic effects. 🚀 Steady-State Test Time: 65-100 ms - A short but valuable window for data collection. 🚀 Total Test Time: up to 500 ms - Including the unsteady flow periods before and after the steady state. The short duration of the hypersonic flow in a Ludwieg tube demands sophisticated instrumentation. Optical sensors, fast-response pressure transducers, and high-speed cameras are essential for capturing the rapid changes in flow properties. The driver tube can be pressurized using either compressed gas or a four-stage compressor. This flexibility allows for various gas compositions, including air, nitrogen, and other gases, to be used in the wind tunnel. This versatility is particularly useful for simulating the atmospheres of other planets, enabling research relevant to planetary exploration missions. Dr Chris Combs is a great contact for more details or look them up on Afterburner's Network application to schedule your next test. #windtunnel #hypersonic #Mach7 #LudwiegTube #UTSA #aerospaceengineering #aerodynamics

Revolutionizing Aerodynamic Testing: The Afterburner Wind Tunnel Application In aerospace engineering, efficiency and precision are paramount. The Afterburner Wind Tunnel Application is not just a scheduling tool; it streamlines the logistical challenges of organizing wind tunnel tests. By simplifying the process, this application empowers engineers and researchers to focus on what truly matters—advancing the science of aerodynamics. The Afterburner Wind Tunnel Application enhances collaboration among engineers and testing facilities. With its user-friendly interface, engineers can easily browse available wind tunnel facilities, check real-time availability, and schedule tests that align with their project timelines. This capability not only saves time but also reduces the administrative burden often associated with coordinating complex testing schedules. Key Features ✈️ Facility Browsing: Users can explore a diverse range of wind tunnel facilities, each equipped with unique capabilities tailored to specific testing needs. ✈️ Real-Time Scheduling: The application provides instant updates on availability, allowing for quick adjustments and efficient planning. ✈️ Project Management Dashboard: Engineers can manage multiple projects seamlessly, tracking progress and results in one centralized location. The Afterburner Wind Tunnel Application provides significant advantages in the field of aerodynamic testing. Its focus on collaboration and efficiency positions it as an indispensable tool for the aerodynamics community. As the aerospace industry continues to evolve, innovations like this application will play a crucial role in driving advancements and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. #WindTunnelApplication #AerodynamicTesting #EngineeringInnovation #AfterburnerApp #Groundtesting

Aerospace Testing News Virgin Galactic's Delta Class Spaceship Development Virgin Galactic has begun operations at its new Delta Class spaceship system integration facility in Southern California. This facility houses an "Iron Bird" testing platform allowing for comprehensive ground testing of numerous Delta subsystems. The initial phase of testing, focusing on subsystems like avionics, feather actuation, pneumatics, and hydraulics, is already underway. Michael Moses, President of Virgin Galactic Spaceline, emphasized the shift from a prototype-based approach (as seen with VSS Unity) to a production-focused model for Delta Class spaceships, significantly reducing development time. The data gathered from the Iron Bird testing will refine future testing, streamline manufacturing, and enhance validation throughout the Delta program. The Delta spaceships are being assembled at Virgin Galactic's new Delta facility in Phoenix, Arizona, with commercial service targeted for launch in 2026. The Delta Class is designed for eight space missions per month, representing a twelve-fold increase in monthly capacity compared to the original VSS Unity spaceship. This ambitious project aims to bring humans to space with unprecedented frequency and cost-effectiveness. #Spacetravel #aerospacetesting #Spaceship 

Aerospace Testing News X-59 Engine Roars: Lockheed Martin Completes Final Major Ground Test Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in partnership with NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration, has successfully completed the final major ground test for the X-59 QueSST aircraft. This is the first time the X-59 has operated fully on its internal power system, a critical step towards taxi tests and the highly anticipated first flight. During these engine runs, Lockheed Martin engineers meticulously verified the performance of the inlet and nozzle, rigorously tested the structural and system interfaces between the aircraft and engine, and validated the accuracy of the engine control algorithms. Prior to this, the X-59 relied on external power sources—electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic—for operation. "It was an emotional high to see and hear another innovative, boundary-pushing Skunk Works X-plane come to life," said Pat LeBeau , X-59 program manager, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. "The team has done an incredible job, and we remain focused on the path forward to a safe and successful first flight." These engine runs represent the final, indispensable system check-out before the first flight. They ensure the seamless integration and functionality of the X-59 as a self-powered system, confirming the engine's responsiveness to commands from the vehicle management system and engine computer. The tests also validated the management of the fuel system, analyzed vibration and temperature interactions, and addressed numerous other critical aspects. Following these successful engine runs, the X-59 will undergo further evaluations. These include assessments of electromagnetic interference effects, simulations of in-flight failure modes, and validation of the emergency power system. Following these tests, the aircraft will progress to low-speed and high-speed taxi tests, paving the way for the first flight. The X-59 QueSST is a one-of-a-kind test aircraft designed to achieve quiet supersonic flight and revolutionize future commercial air travel. A singularly unique national asset, Lockheed Martin and NASA are employing a meticulous, systematic, and disciplined approach to ensure the safety and success of this groundbreaking mission. #Spacetesting #supersonic #Flightesting

Aerospace Testing News MagniX Achieves Historic Milestone in NASA Electric Propulsion Unit Testing magniX, a leader in electric aviation, announced the successful completion of ground testing for its Magni650 Electric Propulsion Unit (EPU) at NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Electric Aircraft Testbed (NEAT) in Sandusky, Ohio. The Magni650 achieved a significant milestone by operating at a simulated altitude of 30,000 feet and a maximum continuous power of 700 kilowatts (kW). This successful high-altitude simulation demonstrates the EPU's readiness for the flight test phase of NASA's Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project, bringing the world closer to the first certification of an electric engine for aviation. The next phase of the EPFD project will involve replacing one of the four turbine engines on MagniX's De Havilland Dash 7 test aircraft with a magni650 electric powertrain, with test flights anticipated for 2026. Ultimately, a second turbine engine will be replaced, aiming for a fuel consumption reduction of up to 40% on typical flights . Data collected from this testing will accelerate the entry-into-service of electric propulsion for large-scale commercial aircraft by the end of the decade . MagniX, with its record of powering first flights for five different aircraft and the recent launch of its high-performance Samson batteries, provides a complete electric powertrain solution. Ben Loxton, MagniX VP of technical programs, stated that the NEAT test campaign significantly advances the path towards the first electric powertrain certification and will enable the electrification of regional commercial aviation, both in pure electric mode for short routes and hybrid mode for longer routes, contributing to the decarbonization of aerospace. #Aerospace #ElectricAviation #AviationNews

Another great video explaining wind tunnels. This one is at Boeing's Transonic Wind Tunnel. Eric Westfall explains the facility to Matthew Burchette in a very informative and entertaining video. https://lnkd.in/e-jB8r7m