Modernization of the Missouri University of Science and Technology Supersonic Wind Tunnel
Location
Havener Center, Carver/Turner Room, 9:30am-11:30am
Start Date
4-2-2026 11:00 AM
End Date
4-2-2026 11:30 AM
Presentation Date
April 2, 2026; 11:00am-11:30am
Description
The modernization of the Missouri University of Science and Technology’s supersonic wind tunnel has enabled the integration of advanced, non-intrusive, laser-based diagnostic techniques critical to contemporary high-speed flow research. This work presents the combined upgrade of the facility and the implementation of two major diagnostics: Tomographic Particle Image Velocimetry (Tomo-PIV), capable of resolving all three velocity components in volumetric flowfields, and two-point Focused Laser Differential Interferometry (FLDI), a high-sensitivity tool for measuring density fluctuations in compressible flows. A modular test section with configurable optical access was developed to support these techniques, along with updates to the nozzle and diffuser. As a conclusion to this effort, a comprehensive characterization of the modernized tunnel has been carried out using Tomo-PIV, verifying acceptable flow uniformity, angularity, and turbulence levels. Together, these upgrades significantly expand the experimental capabilities of the Missouri S&T Supersonic Wind Tunnel, supporting both fundamental and applied research in supersonic aerodynamics.
Biography
Joshua is a second-year PhD student in Aerospace Engineering at Missouri S&T. He conducts research as a Graduate Research Assistant under Dr. Davide Viganò in the Aerodynamics Research Laboratory (ARL). Established in 2022, the ARL is a relatively new organization, where Joshua was the first student member. In this role, he contributed to refurbishing the laboratory and redesigning the Missouri S&T Supersonic Wind Tunnel. The laboratory's primary research areas include ground testing development, compressible turbulence, and supersonic mixing. Within this scope, Joshua's work focuses on using two-point focused laser differential interferometry to experimentally investigate the Strong Reynolds Analogy, with the goal of improving understanding of mixing in high-speed flows.
Meeting Name
2026 - Miners Solving for Tomorrow Research Conference
Department(s)
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Document Type
Presentation
Document Version
Final Version
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2026 The Authors, All rights reserved
Modernization of the Missouri University of Science and Technology Supersonic Wind Tunnel
Havener Center, Carver/Turner Room, 9:30am-11:30am
The modernization of the Missouri University of Science and Technology’s supersonic wind tunnel has enabled the integration of advanced, non-intrusive, laser-based diagnostic techniques critical to contemporary high-speed flow research. This work presents the combined upgrade of the facility and the implementation of two major diagnostics: Tomographic Particle Image Velocimetry (Tomo-PIV), capable of resolving all three velocity components in volumetric flowfields, and two-point Focused Laser Differential Interferometry (FLDI), a high-sensitivity tool for measuring density fluctuations in compressible flows. A modular test section with configurable optical access was developed to support these techniques, along with updates to the nozzle and diffuser. As a conclusion to this effort, a comprehensive characterization of the modernized tunnel has been carried out using Tomo-PIV, verifying acceptable flow uniformity, angularity, and turbulence levels. Together, these upgrades significantly expand the experimental capabilities of the Missouri S&T Supersonic Wind Tunnel, supporting both fundamental and applied research in supersonic aerodynamics.
Comments
Advisor: Davide Vigano, dvigano@mst.edu