Create Specialized Research Opportunities
With WSU’s New Mach-8 Wind Tunnel

WSU’s College of Engineering, Applied Science & Technology (EAST) is on the leading edge of teaching and research in technology-based fields. Applied research is at the heart of EAST programs, connecting students and faculty with tech industries across northern Utah to solve real-world problems, innovate processes, and provide the technological workforce of the future.

In keeping with this focus, EAST recently acquired a supersonic wind tunnel — making WSU one of three university locations in the nation capable of generating Mach-8 flow speeds, and the only one with the capacity to simulate hypersonic flight for longer than 30 seconds. In addition to being a national asset, it will give our students experience in hands-on operation and specialized research that is critical to our regional aerospace industry partners.

While a variety of EAST programs, students, and faculty will benefit from this equipment, our undergraduate and graduate students in mechanical engineering in particular will be able to experience their coursework in aerodynamics, aerospace propulsion, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer in the applied research environment delivered by this supersonic wind tunnel.

NEXT STEPS

The supersonic wind tunnel is currently in storage locally as EAST plans and prepares to make the system operational. These preparations include:

  • Establishing a dedicated laboratory space to host the wind tunnel
  • Procuring and integrating the compressed air, instrumentation, and control system
  • Training and certification of laboratory management personnel and associated faculty for ongoing operations and maintenance
  • Developing industry and governmental partnerships for collaborative research opportunities

AUGMENTING EXISTING FACILITIES & LOCAL INDUSTRY

WSU’s Miller Advanced Research and Solutions (MARS) Center is a collaborative partner in the development of high-speed wind tunnel testing capabilities. Currently, MARS’ related investigations in the technology involves hypersonic flows and their interaction with high-temperature materials.

In addition, several prominent aerospace and defense companies have operations throughout Davis, Weber, and Box Elder counties. Due to current synergistic relationships as well as geographic convenience, these companies will likely have strong interest in research collaborations with WSU using a supersonic wind tunnel — as well as in the highly educated and trained graduates who have gained valuable experience through these specialized research opportunities.

FUNDING REQUIREMENTS

Wind Tunnel Procurement, Assembly, and Operation

  • Shipping and procurement $30,000
  • Air compressors $600,000
  • Air compressor plumbing $200,000
  • Air tanks $700,000
  • Erosion effect testing $500,000
  • Consulting $50,000
Total $2,080,000

Academic Programming & Research Support

Sensors and data acquisition equipment, academic programming, and student research funding

$350,000
Schematic Drawing of the Supersonic Wind Tunnel

Wildcat Spotlight

Tylin Waters

Tylin Waters is a senior majoring in manufacturing engineering. Since fall 2024, he has been an intern at the MARS Center, working on applied research projects that range from increasing the speed of bobsleds and skeleton sleds and evaluating materials for use on a real rocket.

“One of my favorite things about MARS has been the variety of projects we get to work on, so we really get to broaden our skillset. I’ve gained a huge amount of hands-on experience that I don’t think I could get anywhere else.

“Having a physical wind tunnel is very exciting, because no matter how accurate a computer-based simulation might be, it can’t perfectly replicate the real-world forces caused by airflow, especially at supersonic and hypersonic speeds. With a wind tunnel, we actually see the material and how the airflow is affected by the object. When you combine that with the computerized simulation, you get a really high-fidelity result.

“For students, having access to these kinds of facilities is a huge advantage when entering industry, because they will already have a great deal of experience in handling complex machinery and running tests on a professional level.”

Support the Mach-8 wind tunnel by making a gift today.

To learn more about the Mach-8 wind tunnel, contact
Senior Development Director Emily Heaton at emilyheaton1@weber.edu.