FACILITIES
Aerodynamics Research Laboratory
The Aerodynamics Research Laboratory (ARL) is a state-of-the-art facility for the experimental study of aerodynamic flows and performance. The experimental facilities in ARL include a 2.8-ft × 4-ft subsonic wind tunnel, a 15-in × 15-in optical diagnostics subsonic tunnel, and a 9-in × 6-in continuous transonic tunnel. In addition to housing subsonic and supersonic wind tunnels, the facility is also equipped for a wide range of measurement capabilities, including electronically-scanned pressure measurements, thermal anemometry, two- and three-component planar particle image velocimetry, tomographic particle image velocimetry, laser Doppler velocimetry, pressure and temperature sensitive paint measurements, various flow visualization methods, and high-speed photogrammetry.
Analysis Laboratory for Synchrophasor and Electrical energy Technology Lab
The ALSETLab has a strong research focus on modeling and simulation of cyber-physical systems with network data and distributed computation. Our hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulators have the ability to create digital twins to study model components and system behavior from from μsec-to-hrs. ALSETLab test equipment also includes a FFT gyroscope test bed for multi-domain modeling and system identification applications. We also have capability to employ the models we create into a virtual reality environment. This is done by using Unity and an HTC vive to interact with our models.
Center for Superconducting and Magnetic Materials
The Center for Superconducting and Magnetic Materials (CSMM) has its strongest emphasis on superconducting materials, including their formation and structure as well as their magnetic and electrical properties. This center houses a multi-purpose cryostat for testing large coils (1.5m diameter × 0.3m deep), fault current limiter coils, or other coils/systems. The system is capable of achieving temperatures down to 10K with a current capacity of 1800 A. Both AC and DC current excitation are possible (AC current up to 3000 A peak). The center also supports two test stands dedicated to AC loss measurement. Self-Field (Transport-Current) Loss due to AC currents at frequencies of up to 500 Hz is measured at 77 K (liquid nitrogen).
Grainger Center for Electric Machinery and Electromechanics
The Grainger Center for Electric Machinery and Electromechancis (GCEME) houses a broad set of experimental equipment for electrical machines and drives. Test equipment includes a commercial eddy current unit that supports a wide range of fast-response torque and speed measurements, as well as a three-phase unit rated at up to 12 kW that interacts directly with a dedicated computer. Three such units are available to support parallel research efforts on machines and drives. The laboratory also has a number of four-quadrant drive systems. The facility is staffed by a full-time research engineer. The Center also has access to motor prototyping capabilities in the ECE machine shop.
Multimaterial Manufacturing Laboratory
The Multimaterial Manufacturing Laboratory (MML) has an additive manufacturing laboratory that features a Stratasys Objet Connex3 printer. This facility represents the state-of-the-art multi-material polymer-based 3D-printer. The printer is able to handle build sizes of 490 × 390 × 200 mm (19.3 × 15.4 × 7.9 in.) with build layers down to 16 microns (0.0006 in.). The full-model print accuracy of this machine is 200 microns.
National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission
Established in 2005, the National Center for Reliable Electric Power Transmission (NCREPT) is a center established for the purpose of investigating solid-state solutions for high voltage applications such as the electric power grid including both protection devices as well as energy storage applications. Equipment at the NCREPT facilities is used in the testing and modeling of semiconductor devices and passive components for design of the motor power electronics systems. The facility houses instrumentation and equipment for MW-scale power systems.
Superconducting Wire and Cable Test Facility
Measurements of AC losses in superconducting motor windings will be performed in a system at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) using a Spinning Magnet Calorimeter. This system is capable of B = 0.56 T, 272 T/s and is used to test the loss of superconductor wires or small windings at 77 K base temperature through an LN2 boiloff technique. YBCO tapes, YBCO cables, and small YBCO coils can be measured in these conditions. The rotating nature of the applied field allows the system to mimic the conditions of a motor generator. Cable test facilities at AFRL include DC power supplies capable of 7,700 Amps at 5V (25 kW power supply), and load banks that can be utilized up to 7,000 Amps at (total power of 28kW). The load banks can operate in modes of constant resistance, voltage (up to 50 V), or current mode, and can pulse up to 100 Hz with set able duty cycles.
Unmanned Flight Test Laboratory
The Unmanned Flight Test Laboratory (UFTL) operates a variety of unmanned aircraft used to perform research in several areas. The UFTL operates a pair of 22%-scale Cirrus SR22T aircraft for in-flight system identification, technology demonstration, and flight dynamics testing. Each aircraft is outfitted with an instrumentation suite and autopilot package for flight data acquisition. Recent flight experiments on distributed electric propulsion aircraft control and aerodynamic flow control have been conducted through the UFTL.