The Most Advanced Wind Tunnel Among Foundation Universities Opened at Istanbul Gelisim University

Istanbul Gelisim University has launched the Subsonic Wind Tunnel Project, which features the most advanced specifications among foundation universities. The project was developed through the collaboration of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture’s Department of Aeronautical Engineering and the Technology Transfer Office (TTO). Constructed within the Aerodynamics Research Laboratory, the project was realized through the cooperation between the Department of Aeronautical Engineering and the TTO at Istanbul Gelişim University. The on-campus opening ceremony of the Subsonic Wind Tunnel was held with a speech by Rector Prof. Bahri Şahin and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The Project Stands Out with Its Technical Features

With test chamber dimensions of 50 x 80 x 200 cm and a testing speed of 50 m/s, the Subsonic Wind Tunnel stands out as the largest infrastructure of its kind among foundation universities. The tunnel offers the capability for aerodynamic testing of aircraft components, flow analysis studies, and hybrid validation.
All the design and aerodynamic calculations for the project were carried out by Istanbul Gelisim University academics. The manufacturing was completed by a local firm. It was stated that this nationally produced tunnel is 6–7 times more cost-effective compared to imported alternatives.

Provides Students with Hands-On Experience

It was noted that the project will support both practical and theoretical courses in aviation, as well as national and international projects, TÜBİTAK research, and patent work. Speaking about the Subsonic Wind Tunnel project, Rector Prof. Bahri Şahin stated:
“The wind tunnel is an essential part of the aerodynamics research laboratory. It is the core component. Wind tunnels exist at 6–7 universities, but ours is the largest among foundation universities. Here, aeronautical engineers can analyze aircraft components and conduct aerodynamic testing. Not only can they perform experimental work, but they can also carry out theoretical CFD analysis on computers. However, these two need to validate each other. Therefore, wind tunnels are indispensable in fields like aviation, marine engineering, mechatronics, mechanical, and automotive engineering.”
Referring to the project's development process, Prof. Şahin said:
“All the designs for the project were done by our professors. They carried out the sizing, calculations, and aerodynamic analyses. The manufacturing was done by a local company. This is a nationally produced wind tunnel. An imported one would have been 6–7 times more expensive. We chose a local and national option. The tests we are currently conducting have been very successful.”

“Our Goal is to Become a Research University”

Prof. Şahin continued:
“At Istanbul Gelisim University, we aim to become a research university. To achieve this, we need a strong scientific team, a qualified academic staff, and the necessary infrastructure. We already have a strong academic team in the field of aviation. Now, we are establishing the infrastructure. We’ve made a decision with the board of trustees to open a new research center every year. Our goal this year is to establish an aviation research center and next year, an advanced materials technology center.”

“Our Jet Drone Project Took First Place”

Prof. Şahin also shared information about the university’s jet drone project:
“This project is being carried out with our academics, students, and external stakeholders. We want to involve our students in the project so that they gain these capabilities. The prototype production of the project, which won first place in TUSAŞ’s jet drone competition, is progressing rapidly. The Wind Tunnel we’ve established at our university will make significant contributions to this and similar projects.”