The European Transonic Wind Tunnel (ETW) was designed and constructed by the four European countries France, Germany, Great Britain and The Netherlands. It is operated based on a non-profit policy. ETW is located in Cologne, Germany.European researchers and engineers harness ETW’s capabilities for advancing aeronautical science into aircraft innovation by accessing real-flight conditions in this cutting edge ground-test laboratory. Training opportunities for researchers and engineers are provided.ETW is the worldwide leading wind tunnel for testing aircraft at real flight conditions. Aircraft performance and their flight envelope limits can be accurately determined with unique quality at ETW long before flight testing of a first prototype. This enables significant reduction in the technical and economic risks associated with the development of new aircraft. Manufacturers from all over the world take advantage of the exceptional features of this high-tech facility enhancing the performance, economic viability, and environmental friendliness of their future aircraft.ETW operation and access complies with the ISO9001 quality management standard.
High-/Flight-Reynolds Number Wind-Tunnel Testing at ETW
ETW offers worldwide experimental wind tunnel investigations focussing on aerodynamic and aeroelastic measurements on lifting bodies in the subsonic, transonic or supersonic speed range up to Mach-numbers of 1.35. Taking the benefit of the cryogenic technique is allowing for an extremely accurate simulation of flow effects at high Reynolds-numbers of up to 90 Million. Beside classic measurements of forces and moments additional techniques are available for analyses of the origination and development of aerodynamic processes. The application and operation of non-intrusive techniques is here the most favoured approach.
Equipment
Pressure Measurement by Pressure Sensitive Paint
Transition Detection by Temperature Sensitive Paint