Experimental aerodynamics
A group of experienced principal, senior and junior engineers undertakes investigations into aircraft and vehicle aerodynamics through use of specialist facilities and computational capabilities. The group specialises in various mechatronic systems, instrumentation and plant maintenance operations on wind tunnel testing, data processing verification and analysis.
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Highlights
A niche offering in this field is the calibration of low-wind-speed measurement instruments in the South African National Accreditation System-accredited calibration wind tunnel. The tunnel is an open circuit, continuous test section handling speeds from 0.06 m/s to 35 m/s.
Our capabilities
In South Africa, the CSIR has a track record of collaboration with the South African Air Force and the aeronautical industry. This includes working on or testing combat aircraft types such as the Cheetah, Impala, Rooivalk and Oryx, and performing aerodynamic characterisation of most South African-developed UAVs, as well as missiles and projectiles.
Internationally, we have worked with several industrial aeronautical and naval groups, providing us with experience in helicopter-launched anti-ship missiles, torpedo and submarine configurations and advanced-generation combat aircraft configurations.
Aside from testing advanced designs in the various wind tunnels, our expertise also covers the following elements of aerodynamic evaluations:
Helicopter airframe and rotors
Store carriage and release
Aircraft and store dynamic characteristics investigations
Vehicle and industrial fluid dynamics
Balance design, manufacture, gauging, calibration and application
Wind tunnel model design and manufacture
Specialised wind tunnel rig design, manufacture and implementation
Data acquisition and control specification and implementation
Wind tunnel systems operations
Data processing software development and implementation
Wind speed instrument accredited calibrations
Our networks are extensive. CSIR staff participate in international corporate practice societies such as the Subsonic Aerodynamics Testing Association, Supersonic Testing Association International and the International Symposium for Strain Gauge Balances – many of which we have chaired and brought conferences to South African shores.
View Wind Tunnel information here.