Perfect aerodynamics!
It’s best to test precisely
Numerous aerodynamic measurement campaigns of leading aircraft manufacturers, wind tunnel operators and research institutes are based on our precision models.
Virtual simulations are frequently insufficient or require validation when determining the exact air resistance, flow behaviour, buoyancy, etc. We design, produce and instrument scale models for all types of wind tunnel.
Be they low or high-speed, atmospheric or cryogenic wind tunnels, we offer the appropriate model type for all applications.
100 percent: in time, quality and cost
Since 1991, our engineers and technicians provide our international customers with the highest precision wind-tunnel models with superior functionality and also support them as required during testing campaigns in the wind tunnel.
As a one-stop shop, we guarantee delivery of the entire model production process through to testing support 100% in time, quality and cost!
Products
Our wind-tunnel models support manufacturers in the development of various products:
Aircraft and aircraft components
Space flight components
Automobiles and racing cars
Rail vehicles
Wind turbines
Test rigs
We offer our customers high-precision models for high-speed wind tunnels with the following features:
Full and half models
Experience in model dimensions up to 4,000 mm wingspan
Aluminium and steel alloys, as well as low-temperature resistant (cryogenic) steels are possible; special steels are available from stock
Attainable surface tolerances of ± 0.015 mm
Attainable roughness Ra < 0.1 µm
Complete service from design, production, assembly and instrumentation through to testing support
We offer our customers high-precision models for wind tunnels in the low-speed range with the following features:
Full and half models
Experience in model dimensions up to 6,000 mm wingspan and several thousand production components
Aluminium and steel alloys, as well as low-temperature resistant (cryogenic) steels are possible; special steels are available from stock
Attainable surface tolerances of ± 0.015 mm
Attainable roughness Ra < 0.4 µm
Complete service from design, production, assembly and instrumentation through to testing support
We supply our customers with 2D profiles for aerodynamic measurements:
Materials utilised are steel, aluminium and plastics
Experience in model dimensions up to 8,000 mm
Attainable surface tolerances of ± 0.015 mm
Attainable roughness Ra 0.04 µm
Complete service from design, production, assembly and instrumentation through to testing support
We also offer ultralight fibre composite 2D profiles for easy handling in the tunnel:
Materials utilised are CRP and GRP (carbon and glass-reinforced plastic)
Model dimensions up to 1,500 mm wingspan and 1,000 mm chord
Attainable surface tolerances of ± 0.1 mm
Attainable roughness Ra < 0.2 µm
Static pressure measuring boreholes directly in the laminate
Insertion of instrumentation even in the thin trailing edge
We support our research and development customers with special solutions to determine and evaluate technological bases:
Implementation of development concepts in physical models
Insertion of the required functionality in the model
Development of special solutions together with our customers
Complete service from design, production, assembly and instrumentation through to testing support
In addition to models, we also produce all kinds of test rigs and testing devices:
Components to test air inlets
Wind-tunnel components
Measurement section equipment
Aids for positioning models in the wind tunnel
We design and manufacture highest precision models for laminar flow research:
Surface waviness up to 1:600 over 6.5 mm
Surface accuracy of ± 0.015 mm
Roughness Ra < 0.04 µm
Preparation for the application of temperature or pressure-sensitive paint
Complete service from design, production, assembly and instrumentation through to testing support
Aluminium and steel alloys, as well as low-temperature resistant (cryogenic) steels are possible; special steels are available from stock
Resources
Following the provision of the external surfaces (Class A surface geometry), our design team implements a model with the required characteristics:
Class A surfacing
CATIA V5 design of the model in 3D and 2D; more formats available
Design in accordance with customer guidelines
Design of all model variations (e.g., variants of high-lift systems)
Performing strength calculations using the finite element method (FEM)
Creation of documentation and instructions
All production steps can be carried out using our own machinery to the highest precision:
5-axis milling; achievable tolerances of ± 0.015 mm
Turning and cylindrical and flat grinding
Welding (TIG, MIG/MAG and micro laser welding)
Ongoing investment in processing machines
Temperature controlled production workshops
Consistent use of CATIA V5 for design, programming and QA
100% control of the production components on coordinate measuring machines
Our products represent more than 20 years’ experience in the assembly and instrumentation of wind-tunnel models:
Dedicated assembly team with long-standing experience
Assembly of model components
Perfectly fitting interchangeable parts
Extensive knowledge of surface finish
Highest waviness compliance (better than 1:600 over 6.5 mm)
Secured assembly areas
Internal and external assembly possible
Customers obtain complete instrumentation from a single source through Deharde:
Instrumentation of static pressure measuring boreholes
Instrumentation of microphones (brand: Kulite)
Installation and calibration of strain gauges
Installation and calibration of shock sensors
Application and polishing of pressure and temperature-sensitive paint
Installation of temperature sensors
Our specialists provide on-site support to our customers worldwide:
Technical support during the testing campaign
Mounting models in the wind tunnel
Adjustment of model configurations during testing
Geometry audits with laser tracker or measuring arm
Modification of existing models
Management
Christopher Clark
Head of Wind Tunnel Models & Prototypes
