Skip to content
Arc

University of Manchester High Supersonic Tunnel (HSST)

University of ManchesterManchester

NWTF identifies Manchester’s HSST as a blow-down facility with Mach 4, 5 and 6 conditions and a 150 mm diameter test jet. Published rigs support intake unstart, model release and boundary-layer studies, with force, pressure and temperature measurements. The jet diameter is distinct from the surrounding plenum space.

Reviewed by Arc · About this review

Key facts

Facility type
NWTF describes HSST as a blow-down tunnel at the University of Manchester.

Testing capabilities

High-supersonic aerodynamic measurements

The facility lists full-model and half-model three-axis balances and outputs for force or moment, pressure, velocity and surface temperature. Measurements use high-speed data acquisition and flow diagnostics.

Intake, release and transition rigs

Published specialist rigs include an intake-unstart back-pressure generator, a magnetic model-release rig, a Mach 5 centrebody nozzle for plume and boundary-layer growth studies, and synchronous pressure-sensitive-paint and Schlieren measurements.

Equipment and published limits

Published equipment limits and conditions
SpecificationPublished valueConditions
Test-flow region150 mm diameter test jetThe source separately describes plenum clearance: 80 mm below and 100 mm above and beside the nozzle. Those clearances are not a cylindrical jet diameter or specimen limit.
Published flow and run conditionsMach 4, 5 and 6; 670–1300 m/s; run time up to 7 secondsThe source lists these separate operating figures with typical recharge around 10 minutes. It does not guarantee every combination for a selected model.

Access and contact

The NWTF page says the Manchester hypersonic wind tunnel is available to industry and academic researchers and links to its contact route. Confirm nozzle, model support, instrumentation and run conditions before requesting work.

Facility contact

Address
Manchester

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.

  • City St George's Transonic/Supersonic Wind Tunnel

    Compare supersonic wind-tunnel Schlieren flow visualisation for the proposed article. Agree supersonic flow and model, optical arrangement, pressure/Mach conditions, run duration and image objective.

Further reading

  • Aerodynamics and aerothermal testing

    Browse aerodynamics and aerothermal testing for aerodynamic force or pressure measurements. Match the selected article, method and conditions in this exact retained task before comparing entries.

  • Write a test procedure for a requirement

    For supersonic wind-tunnel Schlieren flow visualisation; aerodynamic force or pressure measurements; 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. High Supersonic Tunnel (HSST) - 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.