Thermofluids & Aeronautical Lab

A specialised lab for experiments, testing and project work in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and aerodynamics.

The lab has a ‘wet side’ for investigating fluid properties and fluid flow, and a dry side for other work including measuring airflow and analysing thermodynamic cycles.  Alongside a wide range of experimental apparatus and test equipment for measuring pressures, temperatures and flow rates, the lab also houses our subsonic wind tunnel for experimental study of aerodynamics.

Practical fluid mechanics allows engineers to, for example, measure the force needed to move a body through a fluid, improve the performance of a water pump, or prototype a new ventilation system.  Experimental thermodynamics allows engineers to design and analyse systems of power generation, refrigeration, engines, and heat pumps.  Aerodynamics in practice allows students and researchers to verify lift and drag forces and pressure distributions for new designs of aerofoils, vehicles, and structures, by testing prototype models in the wind tunnel.

Equipment

  • Wind Tunnel
  • Hydrostatic Bench
  • Reynolds Number Apparatus
  • Deadweight Tester
  • Refrigeration Cycle Demonstration unit
  • Two Stage Compressor

Two-Stage Compressor Test Set

Refrigeration Cycle Demonstration Unit

Staff

Photo of Thermofluids & Aeronautical Lab

Location

Opening Times

9am -5pm

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021