APP-lab
Aerodynamics and Propulsion lab
The Aerodynamics and Propulsion Laboratory (APP-Lab) provides a test environment for high quality aerodynamic and aero-acoustic experiments, novel aircraft power and (low-emission) propulsion systems for scientific research and education. The laboratory hosts a number of wind tunnels, from high flow quality low-speed to transonic, supersonic up to hypersonic regimes. Low-NOx-emission propulsion and power harvesting experiments are conducted by Flame-Less combustion and Organic Rankine Cycle rigs. To meet future needs for scientific research and education, targeted at sustainable novel aircraft and propulsion concepts and noise reduction, the APP-Lab needs to extend and upgrade the testing infrastructure to accommodate aerothermal testing as well as on-site experimentation and combustion.
Infrastructure and User Services
The Aerodynamics and Propulsion Laboratory (APP-Lab) provides a test environment for scientific research and education for in the following domains: high quality aerodynamic experiments, small-scale aero-acoustic analysis, novel aircraft power and (low-emission) propulsion systems. To this end the laboratory buildings host a number of facilities: high flow quality low-speed wind tunnels, an anechoic wind tunnel, a medium-scale transonic-supersonic and a hypersonic wind tunnel; combustion test stands and an ORC research facility.
The laboratories have been equipped with state-of-the-art experimental diagnostics, including pressure transducers, hot-wire anemometry, infrared thermography, Schlieren, noise measurement by acoustic array, quantitative flow visualization by (3D, time resolved) Particle Image Velocimetry and various combustion diagnostics such as PLIF, LIGS and femtosecond laser diagnostics.
The facilities are distributed over two locations. The main location is close to the Aerospace Engineering Faculty building and hosts the high-speed (transonic to hypersonic) wind tunnels, an open jet low-speed wind tunnel and the propulsion and power test facilities. The second location is in the middle of the TU Delft campus at a distance of approx. 1.4 km from the Aerospace faculty building. This building hosts the low turbulence tunnel, anechoic wind tunnel and other low speed wind tunnels. Furthermore there is a collaboration with UTwente where the AeroAcoustic wind tunnel is located as well as a supersonic blow down wind tunnel.
Examples/description of the type of research
The APP-lab facilitates aerodynamic experiments that are conducted both in wind tunnels but also on-site i.e. in-situ measurements for drones, (road) vehicles, sports etc. The lab provides the measurement equipment and develops (together with the scientific staff) state-of-the-art measurement technologies. These technologies are integrated into the wind tunnel facilities so that the users can easily apply these measurement techniques for their investigations.
In addition the lab has recently expanded the capability to conduct reactive flow investigations for combustion research. To this end a gas supply system (Hydrogen, Methane, CO2) has been installed that can be used to feed novel combustor concepts. For diagnostics a range of measurement systems can be used such as thermocouples, pressure transduces, gas analyzer, tunable PLIF system, PIV system and femtosecond laser (e.g. for CARS).
How to access the infrastructure?
Access to the Laboratory's facilities is regulated through the head of the Lab (for external and international parties using one of the two major wind tunnels) or the two lab coordinators and follows the guidelines set out in the European Charter for Access to Research Infrastructures.