IIUM Low Speed Wind Tunnel (LSWT)

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Overview

The IIUM Low Speed Wind Tunnel (LSWT) is a high-performance experimental facility dedicated to aerodynamic research, education, and industrial testing. The tunnel is capable of operating at wind speeds up to 50 m/s (≈180 km/h), making it suitable for a wide range of low-speed aerodynamic investigations.

The test section measures 2.3 m (W) × 1.5 m (H) × 6 m (L) and features a modular design. This allows the section to be replaced or removed, enabling open-jet configurations for specialized experimental requirements.

Key Flow Quality Specifications

• Dynamic Pressure Variation: ±0.5%
• Flow Angularity: ±0.2°
• Turbulence Intensity: < 0.11%

Precision Force Measurement

The wind tunnel is equipped with a six-component external force balance, enabling accurate measurement of aerodynamic forces and moments with an accuracy of 0.1% of full scale.

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

Advanced Flow Measurement & Instrumentation

1. Constant Temperature Anemometer (CTA) system
2. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system
3. Pitot-static and pressure probe systems
4. 128-channel piezoelectric pressure measurement rack

Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV)

The PIV system at the IIUM LSWT provides high-resolution, non-intrusive flow field measurements. By combining high-speed cameras with laser sheet illumination, the system enables both 2D and 3D velocity field visualization.

This capability allows detailed analysis of complex aerodynamic phenomena such as vortex formation, flow separation, wake development, and turbulent structures, supporting both fundamental research and applied engineering studies.

Academic & Technical Team

• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amelda Dianne Adnan – ameldadianne@iium.edu.my
• Asst. Prof. Mohammed Aldheeb – aldheeb@iium.edu.my
• Azweeda Dahlan – Engineer – azweeda@iium.edu.my
• Firdauz Hakem Marof – Assistant Engineer – firdauz@iium.edu.my
• Mohd Norhafiz Adnan – Senior Technician – norhafiz@iium.edu.my

Notable Research Alumni

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

Selected Publications

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

Selected Industrial & Collaborative Projects

1. Wind tunnel testing of street lighting structures at 150 km/h
2. Aerodynamic assessment of blended wing-body configurations
3. Wind load testing of marine ladder systems
4. Airfoil aerodynamic characterization (collaboration with University of Malaya)