Laboratories

Aerospace Engineering laboratory includes a subsonic wind tunnel, educational gas-turbine micro-jet engine and 15 simulation computers with high performance & related softwares.

Educational purpose & Experimental Opportunities​

The Aerodynamics Laboratory

The Aerodynamics Laboratory at Izmir Economic University is equipped with a wind tunnel to enhance the theoretical learning and research pursuits of students. Significant efforts have been made to ensure that the lab's equipment is of the highest quality, facilitating cutting-edge research in aerodynamics. The lab features a low-speed wind tunnel with a 320 mm × 320 mm x 600 mm cross-section, capable of reaching velocities of 40 m/s, making it ideal for low-speed measurements specifically for experiments in low Mach number flows. It plays a vital role in teaching lab courses for undergraduate students, as well as supporting project work and research in low-speed aerodynamics. Experiments conducted in the lab include pressure and aerodynamic force measurements, flow visualization, and velocity measurements over various models in wind tunnel.

The lab is also equipped with advanced CAE software, featuring tools that combine finite element analysis with Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) codes such as Ansys Fluent. CFD simulations allow for the estimation of forces and moments acting on a flying vehicle body, enabling the calculation of lift and drag forces. They also help determine the pressure distribution, which is crucial for stability evaluations. The Aerodynamics Laboratory at Izmir Economic University is fully prepared to engage in research collaborations with industry partners. Our facilities and experienced research team are ready to support innovative projects and provide valuable insights into aerodynamic phenomena. By partnering with us, industry collaborators can leverage our state-of-the-art equipment and expertise to advance their research and development goals. We welcome inquiries and proposals for collaborative research projects, aiming to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application for mutual benefit and advancement in the field of aerodynamics.

Gas-turbine micro-jet engine:
The micro jet engine trainer is used to demonstrate and study the function and behavior of a gas
turbine in the model scale. Gas turbine plants are used to generate mechanical and electrical
energy for aircraft propulsion with propeller and jet engines. Gas turbines are always used
where high concentration of power, low weight and quick startup are required. Unlike piston
engines, being turbomachines, they allow high material throughputs with small dimensions.
Compared to steam turbines, gas turbines operate at higher temperatures but at lower
pressures. The high temperatures, especially in the area of the gas turbine, require special
heat-resistant materials.
The gas turbine used in the trainer is a single shaft gas turbine. The model gas consists of an
axial turbine with direct coupled radial compressor and an annular combustion chamber.

      
Learning objectives / exercises

•  Operating behavior of a jet engine including starting procedure
•  Determining the specific thrust 
• Determining the specific fuel consumption 
• Determining the fuel-air ratio

Additionally, below parameters can be measured by using this training set,

• Compressor outlet temperature,
• Combustion chamber temperature,
• Turbine outlet temperature,
• Combustion chamber pressure,
• Air volumetric flow rate,
• Fuel volumetric flow rate,
• Turbine speed and
• Thrust.

Simulation Lab: The simulation laboratuary includes the development tool Matlab and two toolboxes for aircraft and satellite control and design purposes; 1) Princeton Aircraft Toolbox and 2) Princeton Spacecraft Control Toolbox. 

Educational purpose: With these toolboxes, students will be able to achieve the following aims: designing and assembling aircraft from different parts, dynamic modeling and control for both subsonic and supersonic applications. The graphical tool gives chance to students to visualize the different aerodynamic coefficients for aircraft. The spacecraft tool allows students to design, analyze spacecraft missions. Students can also analyze spacecraft orbits for different types of satellites including Cube Satellites. Basic power modeling and space communications can be also simulated with the control tools.

SmallSat Design and Simulation Laboratory