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University of Oxford Low Density Tunnel

University of OxfordOxford

NWTF describes Oxford’s Low Density Tunnel as a continuous rarefied-flow facility for slip-regime conditions. It measures aerodynamic coefficients using magnetic suspension and balance and provides a three-dimensional traverse for docking and stage-separation simulation. The published test section is 0.18 m in diameter.

Reviewed by Arc · About this review

Key facts

Rarefied-flow application
The facility page describes flows with high Knudsen numbers representative of the slip regime.

Testing capabilities

Aerodynamic coefficients without a sting

The facility uses a magnetic suspension and balance system and lists force, moment, pressure and temperature outputs from high-speed data acquisition.

Docking and separation simulation

A three-dimensional traverse supports docking and stage-separation simulation. The source also lists a large diffusion-pump drive system and high-speed Schlieren, hot-film and thermographic-liquid-crystal visualisation.

Equipment and published limits

Published equipment limits and conditions
SpecificationPublished valueConditions
Test section0.18 m diameterThis is the source’s test-section diameter; model size and magnetic-balance setup require confirmation.
Published rarefied-flow conditionsMach 5.5–9; air at Knudsen number 0.001–0.3; continuous runThe listed Mach and Knudsen conditions remain separate source descriptors rather than a guaranteed combined model envelope.

Access and contact

NWTF says this facility is available to industry and academic users and links to a contact route. Confirm rarefaction, gas conditions, model suspension and measurement needs with the operator.

Facility contact

Address
Oxford

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.

  • University of Oxford High Density Tunnel

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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 hypersonic 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. Low Density - 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.