AERONAUTICS LABORATORY
The Aeronautics Laboratory, located in the rear wing of the second floor
of Building C, consists of a large laboratory room, a small combined office
and model shop, and a mezzanine floor for storage and other purposes. The
laboratory is equipped with facilities for building and testing aerodynamic
models of all types. Two wind tunnels are available for student use. One of
these is a portable model with 10 inch by 12 inch throat, having moderate
throat velocity. This is more of a demonstration than a laboratory type
tunnel. The large wind tunnel, used for routine and research aerodynamic
testing is capable of testing a model of 36 inch wing span at 150 miles per hour.
This tunnel is of the rectangular type having a 30 inch by 50 inch test section
which may be used with either an open or closed throat. The design is of
the high-efficiency return circuit type and the propeller is powered by a direct
drive streamlined electric motor developing over 40 horsepower and having
external control equipment capable of varying the speed over a wide range.
Precision type wood working machinery, bench mounted, and consisting
of equipment such as the jointer, sander, jig saw, etc., is installed for the
purpose of model making of all descriptions. This equipment is mobile and
is available to all divisions of the Engineering Department for wood repair
or modeling work.
Several aircraft engines including the Whirlwind, Wasp, and Gypsy in
the air-cooled field and representative water-cooled engines are available for
engine work in the Aeronautics Laboratory. A Consolidated Trainer and a
Curtiss Dive Bomber have been loaned to the Department of Engineering
and are employed for instruction in airplane structures and rigging. There
is considerable detached equipment such as instruments, carburetors, magnetos,
supercharger, etc., available for study.
