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University of Cambridge Transonic and Supersonic Wind Tunnels

University of CambridgeCambridge

NWTF identifies Cambridge’s transonic and supersonic wind tunnels and publishes a Mach range of 0.6–3.5. Two similar working sections are used alternately, with one carrying a semi-permanent transonic-inlet lip incidence and crosswind arrangement. The facility lists force, pressure and velocity measurements and boundary-layer suction.

Reviewed by Arc · About this review

Key facts

Working-section arrangement
The source describes two similar working sections used alternately; one has a semi-permanent custom transonic inlet lip incidence and crosswind test section.

Testing capabilities

Force, surface pressure and velocity

The tunnel lists a three-component sting balance, simultaneous data acquisition, Pitot-probe and surface-pressure measurements, pressure-sensitive paint, laser Doppler anemometry and particle-image velocimetry.

Transonic inlet studies

Specialist rigs include an ejector system for boundary-layer suction and a transonic engine-inlet rig with high-incidence and crosswind capability.

Equipment and published limits

Published equipment limits and conditions
SpecificationPublished valueConditions
Working-section dimensions0.12 × 0.2 × 0.6 mThe source attaches this size to the similar working sections; the installed inlet arrangement and usable model envelope require confirmation.
Published operating conditionsMach 0.6–3.5; 30–60 second runsThe source also lists a typical 20 minute recharge time. These figures do not establish all configurations or a reserved sequence of runs.

Access and contact

NWTF says the Cambridge supersonic wind tunnels are open to industry and academic researchers and provides a contact link. Specify the working section, inlet arrangement, Mach condition and diagnostics when enquiring.

Facility contact

Address
Cambridge

Standards and accreditation

Public information not available. Contact test facility provider for more information.

What to confirm with the facility

  • Confirm the exact test method, specimen configuration, acceptance criteria, reporting, availability and quotation directly with the operator.

Before requesting a test

Public information not available. Contact test facility provider for more information.

Frequently asked questions

Public information not available. Contact test facility provider for more information.

No additional facility recommendation is made. Use the further reading links to review the relevant scope.

Further reading

  • Aerodynamics and aerothermal testing

    Browse aerodynamics and aerothermal testing for Force, surface pressure and velocity. Compare the documented article, method and conditions in each entry.

  • Write a test procedure for a requirement

    For aerodynamic force or pressure measurements; PIV or laser-Doppler flow diagnostics; Schlieren or fast surface/flow diagnostics, specify the material or product, preparation, apparatus, loading or measurement steps and required observations before requesting a report.

Sources and review

Arc reviewed the exact NWTF facility page on 13 October 2026. Published figures describe specific apparatus and source conditions. Confirm the required configuration, actual usable envelope, measurement plan and commercial arrangements with the operator.

Arc publishes this directory entry and does not operate the test facility. Suggest a correction to Arc with a supporting source.

  1. Transonic and Supersonic - NWTF

    National Wind Tunnel Facility (NWTF) · Reviewed

    The exact NWTF facility page supplies the named university facility, published method, configuration, measurement details and information route. Figures retain their stated apparatus and conditions; the page does not establish accreditation, current slots, commercial terms or item acceptance.