Galleria del Vento

The Wind Tunnel Laboratory conducts experimental research in aerodynamics and wind engineering, with a focus on complex geometries relevant to aeronautical applications and the built environment (buildings and civil structures). The facility supports both fundamental and applied research, combining advanced measurement techniques with controlled flow conditions.

Recent research activities include the aerodynamic characterization of aircraft, drones, and unmanned aerial vehicles; the development of methodologies for aerodynamic drag reduction; the investigation of static and dynamic stall phenomena in airfoil profiles; and the characterization of the performance of propellers and wind turbines. Additional research topics cover the analysis of aerodynamic forces under accelerated and decelerated flow conditions (e.g., gust-like events), aeroelastic phenomena such as vortex-induced vibrations and galloping, and thermal management solutions for electric-vehicle battery systems.

The subsonic wind tunnel has the following main characteristics:

• Test section: Open, circular test section with a diameter of 1.1 m and a length of 1.4 m.
• Circuit: Closed-loop Göttingen-type circuit.
• Operating conditions: Flow velocities ranging from 0 to 35 m/s, with a turbulence intensity of approximately 0.9%. The facility allows computer-controlled, time-varying velocity profiles, including accelerations and decelerations up to 1 g.
• Probe positioning system: Computer-controlled three-axis traverse system for probe positioning within the test section, with a positioning accuracy of 0.1 mm.

Available instrumentation includes:

• Pitot-static tube
• Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV)
• Hot-wire anemometry
• Miniaturized electronic pressure scanners, installable inside models
• Six-component strain-gage force balances
• Thermocouples and resistance temperature detectors
• Vorticity measurement probes
• Flow visualization systems using laser and smoke, surface paints, and liquid crystals

The laboratory provides a versatile and high-quality experimental environment for investigating complex flow phenomena and for validating advanced numerical and theoretical models.