The IIUM Low Speed Wind Tunnel

Overview

The IIUM Wind Tunnel is a state-of-the-art facility designed for high-performance aerodynamic testing. Capable of reaching a maximum wind speed of 50 m/s (180 km/h), it features a test section measuring 2.3 m wide, 1.5 m high, and 6 m long. This section is modular, allowing for replacement or removal, offering flexibility to test in an open jet configuration.

Key Specifications:

• Dynamic Pressure Variation: ±0.5%

• Flow Angularity: ±0.2°

• Turbulence Intensity: < 0.11%

Precision Instruments:

The IIUM Wind Tunnel is equipped with a six-component force balance to accurately measure aerodynamic forces and moments with a 0.1% accuracy of full scale. The specifications are:

• Lift Force: ±2350 N
• Drag Force: ±800 N
• Pitching Moment: ±900 Nm
• Side Force: ±2000 N
• Yawing Moment: ±250 Nm
• Rolling Moment: ±1200 Nm

Advanced Flow Measurement Tools:

1. Constant Temperature Anemometer (CTA) system
2. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system
3. Flow probes such as Pitot-static tubes
4. 128-channel piezoelectric sensor rack

PIV Measurement Overview

The Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system in the IIUM Wind Tunnel allows for precise flow visualization and velocity field measurement. It uses high-speed cameras and laser sheets to capture the motion of particles within the flow. The system provides detailed 2D and 3D velocity maps, helping researchers gain insights into complex flow behaviors, including vortex formation, separation, and turbulent structures.

Image Slideshow

Staff

• Prof. Waqar Asrar: Incharge, IIUM LSWT – waqar@iium.edu.my
• Asst. Prof. Amelda Dianne Adnan: ameldadianne@iium.edu.my
• Asst. Prof. Mohammed Aldheeb: aldheeb@iium.edu.my
• Azliza Embong: Tunnel Engineer – azliza@iium.edu.my
• Azweeda Dahlan: Engineer – azweeda@iium.edu.my
• Firdauz Hakem Marof: Asst. Engineer – firdauz@iium.edu.my
• Mohd Norhafiz Adnan: Senior Technician – norhafiz@iium.edu.my

Notable Students

• Omer ElSayed Matbagi, PhD: Wake Vortex Alleviation Using Differential Spoiler Setting (Completed 2010)
• Afaq Altaf, MSc: Study of the Reverse Delta Wing Using PIV (Completed 2009)
• Amelda Dianne Andan, MSc: Estimation of Aerodynamic Parameters of a Hybrid Airship (Completed 2012)

Key Publications

• Omer A. Elsayed et al., “Experimental Investigation of Plain and Flapped Wing Tip Vortex,” AIAA Journal of Aircraft, 2009
• Afaq Altaf et al., “Study of the Reverse Delta Wing,” AIAA Journal of Aircraft, 2011
• Omer A. Elsayed et al., “Influence of Differential Spoiler Settings on Wake Vortex Characterization,” AIAA Journal of Aircraft, 2010

Completed Projects for Industry

1. Wind Tunnel Testing of Street Lamp at 150 km/h
2. Aerodynamic Characteristics of a Blended Wing-Body
3. Wind Tunnel Testing of Marine Ladder
4. Aerodynamic Characteristics of an Airfoil – University Malaya