0.6mx0.6m transonic flutter wind tunnel

A dedicated facility to conduct experimental and theoretical research on flutter velocity estimates for the aircraft transonic region

This facility was established in 1959 as a facility dedicated to conduct experimental and theoretical research on flutter velocity estimates for the aircraft transonic region. In recent years, far-reaching repairs were conducted in 1996. Improvements are being made to provide a low turbulence flow and enable digital control and easy access to models at the test section.

The tunnel type is a blowdown transonic wind tunnel. The test section is 0.6 m x 0.6 m. The range of operations is as follows: Settling chamber pressure: 150 kPa to 400 kPa, Mach number: 0.54 to 1.15, Reynolds number: up to 6.0 × 107/m, Dynamic pressure: 22 (M = 0.5) to 166 (M = 1.2), Test time: up to around 120 seconds.

A characteristic of this wind tunnel is that it possesses functions to conveniently conduct a flutter test at transonic speed to efficiently estimate flutter speed. Thus far, at the design stage for space/aviation vehicles produced in Japan, a flutter speed estimate was derived from the results of a wind tunnel test, and contributed to the production of a stable vehicle. Also being operated as a research facility essential for elucidating the flutter phenomenon and developing high-precision theoretical analysis.

Department Aviation Technology Directorate
Specifications Type: Intermittent blowdown wind tunnel
Test section measurement: 60 cm × 60 cm
Mach number range: 0.54 to 1.15
Total design pressure: 147 kPa to 392 kPa (abs)

Mach number and total pressure sweep possible
Year of completion FY 1958
FY 1962 (renew test section)
FY 1987 (renew pressure control section and test section)
FY 1993 to FY 1996 (renew pressure control valve, settling chamber, test section, pressure control system and visualization device, and install a shutoff valve)
Fees 844,275 yen/day (Current as of April 1, 2024)
223,224 yen/day (days when ventilation is not conducted, and only preparations/dismantling is implemented) (Current as of April 1, 2024)

*The usage fee above includes the general management fee.
*The usage fee above does not include technical fees, consumption tax and operational fees before and after testing. These fees will be charged separately.
*The usage fee is calculated each fiscal year. In addition, prices may be revised without notice midway through the fiscal year. Inquire using the form below for details.