About Ames Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel
NASA’s Ames Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel is located in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley.
The Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel (UPWT) is a continuous flow tunnel in which three separate test sections cover a Mach number range between 0.2 and 3.5 (two tenths the speed of sound to three- and one-half times the speed of sound). The 11-by 11-Foot Transonic test section operates between a Mach number of 0.2 and 1.4. The 9-by 7-Foot Supersonic test section covers the range between Mach number 1.5 and 2.6 operates between 2.4 and 3.5. The 8-by 7-Foot Supersonic test section is currently inactive. Test pressures can be varied from a partial vacuum to over twice atmospheric pressure.
Quick Facts
The Ames Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel facility was built in the 1950’s and funded by the Unitary Plan Act of 1949. Construction began in 1951 and was completed in 1956.
The Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel facility is built on 11-acres of land.
The tunnel is an all-welded steel pressure vessel with 5,000 tons of steel plate in the structure.
The 3-Stage Axial Flow Compressor generates 6,250,000 cubic feet or 400 tons of air per minute. This is the driving mechanism for the transonic circuit of the tunnel. The rotor is fitted with 156 aluminum blades, 52 per stage.
The 11-Stage Axial Flow Compressor generates 3,200,000 cubic feet or 90 tons of air per minute. This is the driving mechanism for the two supersonic circuits of the tunnel. The rotor is fitted with 1122 stainless steel blades.
Four wound-rotor induction electric motors connected in tandem power the facility. They are rated to deliver 260,000 horsepower continuously.
History
NASA Ames Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel History
NASA Ames Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel facility was built in the 1950’s and funded by the Unitary Plan Act of 1949.
NASA Ames has been instrumental in the development of aviation and aerospace by working on many of the vehicles flying today.
Learn More about the UPWT History about NASA Ames Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel History