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Icing Research Tunnel (IRT)
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Quick Facts
Characteristics
Acquisition
Contact Information
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Ice accretion on airfoil installed in the Icing Research Tunnel Ice airfoil (vertical) mounted in the IRT
Characteristics
Description
  • Type: Closed-return, atmospheric-type wind tunnel
  • Refrigerated for all-year operation

Test Chamber Dimensions

  • Height: 1.8 m (6 ft.)
  • Width: 2.7 m (9 ft.)
  • Length: 6.1 m (20 ft.)

Performance and Capability

  • Continuous air speeds from 50 to 350 kts
  • Year-round temperature as low as -25°C, controllable to .5°C
  • Supercooled water droplets between 14 and 50 microns
  • Water content controllable between 0.5 and 2.5 g/m3 can be produced to form an icing cloud 4.5 ft by 6 ft
  • 8.67 ft. diameter turntable can be rotated ±20 degrees

General Support Service Systems

  • Heated air
  • 125-psig at flows up to 1 lb/s to temps up to 700°F
  • Steam service at 40-psig
  • Service or shop air at 125-psig
  • Altitude exhaust - 26-in Hg at flows calibrated from 0.1 to 85-lbm/sec
  • Force balance system
  • Facility data recording equipment

 

 
Further Information
NASA's ATP Program
Read about one of the largest, most versatile and comprehensive set of testing facilities in the nation.
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Icing Research Tunnel
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"The right facility at the right time" - NASA Aeronautics Test Program




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NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NASA Official: Tony Springer
Last Updated: October 17, 2011
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