FROM WIND TUNNELS TO SPACE: VACUUM FOR AEROSPACE RESEARCH

MAULBURG, Germany, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- At the German Aerospace Center (DLR) in Göttingen, scientists are exploring the phenomena of compressible flow mechanics in Europe’s largest and most powerful tube wind tunnel using a COBRA screw vacuum pump from Busch Vacuum Solutions. The goal is to make the aerospace of tomorrow safer and more efficient.  

Two accumulator tubes of more than 80 meters in length run over an open space next to the building and pass through the solid outer wall to the inside: The enormous dimensions of the research facility become clear as soon as you enter the site around the Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology at the DLR in Göttingen. Inside, a giant vacuum vessel with a volume of 50 m³ is connected to the tubes. Detailed and fundamental studies are carried out there to investigate the fluid mechanics phenomena that are essential for adequately predicting the performance of supersonic aircraft. How can the aerospace vehicles of tomorrow become more environmentally friendly, safer and more efficient? And how can you use precise computer simulation of supersonic flight to evaluate new configurations while still in the design process? The scientists want to provide answers to these questions, and many others, with the tube wind tunnel. Vacuum technology from Busch is an indispensable part of these research projects.