The FondTech 2 and Aerolab wind tunnels are the largest and most recent tunnels at FondTech's disposal, and feature state-of-the-art systems and devices for high performance automotive wind tunnel testing.
Our first tunnel – FondTech 1 – was built in the early 1990s and paved the way for many successful racing car developments. It is now used for lower-budget programmes and non-automotive applications.
FondTech 1 - Tecnical Details
General specifications
- Single return closed circuit
- 48m long x 16m wide x 7m high
- 100m rectangular perimeter air path along centreline
- Walls in aluminium extruded panels with steel frames
- Nozzle contraction ratio 9:1
- Flow cooling system (water radiator)
- Speed nominal range from 30m/s to 50m/s
Fan
- Single axial fan
- 3.6m diameter
- Fan DC motor, power 375kW
- Variable rpm speed control systems
Test section
- Area 5m2
- Dimensions: 2.23m x 2.23m x 7m
- Closed or variable slotted wall on demand
- Suitable for 40% - 50% automotive models
Moving ground
- Dimensions: 2m wide x 4.1m long
- Active tensioning and tracking controls
- Water cooled belt plate
- Belt suction system
- Upstream boundary layer suction
- Boundary layer displacement thickness at model nose: 0.3mm
Model support and wheel struts
- 2 degrees of freedom (heave and pitch) twin struts model support
- Yaw and roll capabilities
- Model motion control with LVDTs and Laser systems
- Unsteady testing capability
- Manually adjustable wheel supports
Model forces and pressure measurement
- 6-components internal balances
- 1-component wheel balances
- Additional balances for model wings available
- Pressure scanners for cooling and pressure distribution acquisition
FondTech 2 - Technical Details
General specifications
- Single return closed circuit
- 46m long x 15m wide x 7m high
- 100m rectangular perimeter air path along centreline
- Steel walls with steel frames
- Nozzle contraction ratio 6:1
- Flow cooling system (water radiator)
- Speed nominal range from 30m/s to 50m/s
Fan
- Single axial fan
- 4.1m diameter
- Fan DC motor, power 610kW
- Variable rpm speed control systems
Test section
- Area 7.5m2
- Dimensions: 2.23m x 3.35m x 8m
- 27% slotted wall
- Suitable for 50% - 60% automotive models
Moving ground
- Dimensions: 2m wide x 5.4m long
- Active tensioning and tracking controls
- Water cooled belt plate
- Belt suction system
- Upstream boundary layer suction
- Boundary layer displacement thickness at model nose: 0.3mm
Model support and wheel struts
- 4 degrees of freedom (heave, pitch, roll and yaw) twin struts model support
- Model motion control with LVDTs and Laser systems
- Unsteady testing capability
- Remotely controlled wheel supports
Model forces and pressure measurement
- 6-components internal balances
- 3-components wheel hub balances (Wheel-On model)
- 1-components wheel balances (Wheel-Off model)
- Additional 3-components balances for model wings available
- Pressure scanners for cooling and pressure distribution acquisition
Aerolab - Technical Details
General specifications
- Single return closed circuit
- 46m long x 15m wide x 7m high
- 100m rectangular perimeter air path along centreline
- Steel walls with steel frames
- Nozzle contraction ratio 6:1
- Flow cooling system (water radiator)
- Speed nominal range from 30m/s to 50m/s
- Single axial fan
- 4.1m diameter
- Fan DC motor, power 610kW
- Variable rpm speed control systems
Test section
- Area 7.5m2
- Dimensions: 2.23m x 3.35m x 8m
- 27% slotted wall
- Suitable for 50% - 60% automotive models
Moving ground
- Dimensions: 2m wide x 5.4m long
- Active tensioning and tracking controls
- Water cooled belt plate
- Belt suction system
- Upstream boundary layer suction
- Boundary layer displacement thickness at model nose: 0.3mm
Model support and wheel struts
- 4 degrees of freedom (heave, pitch, roll and yaw) twin struts model support
- Model motion control with LVDTs and Laser systems
- Unsteady testing capability
- Remotely controlled wheel supports
Model forces and pressure measurement
- 6-components internal balances
- 3-components wheel hub balances (Wheel-On model)
- 1-components wheel balances (Wheel-Off model)
- Additional 3-components balances for model wings available
- Pressure scanners for cooling and pressure distribution acquisition
