Wolfson Unit for Marine Technology and Industrial Aerodynamics
The Wolfson Unit has been working in the field of experimental testing technology for over 40 years. It has an established reputation in the areas of hydrodynamic and aerodynamic testing. This experience has been used in a range of activities, from the development of America’s Cup and other racing yachts and the design of powered marine vessels, to improving air flow around structures and optimising drag and down force in race cars.
In recent years, the Wolfson Unit has been using this experience and developing into the area of Sports Engineering, where customers are asking similar questions and need the same high levels of expertise to solve their problems. These efforts in the Sports Engineering field have led to the Unit being made a UK Sport Innovation Partner.
The University of Southampton has an enviable capability for low-speed wind tunnel testing. The flagship RJ Mitchell wind tunnel is used by world-leading Formula One, Americas Cup, Cycling, Winter Sports, World Rally, A1GP and Indy Car teams. They are used extensively for aerodynamic development for production sports cars and by the aerospace industry.
Our flagship RJ Mitchell 3.5m x 2.6m rolling road is complemented by our 2.5m x 1.5m rolling road wind tunnel and several smaller tunnels. Testing from hire of the tunnel to full aerodynamic test programmes is supported.
Managed by the Engineering and the Environment, many ground-breaking research projects are carried out with our engineers and academics, who have decades of experience in low-speed aerodynamics. This is complemented by comprehensive measurement capabilities including particle image velocimetry, laser doppler anemometry, hot-wire anemometry, steady and unsteady pressure systems.
Research Institute for Industry
The Research Institute for Industry, RIfI, is a cutting edge applied research organisation able to support and collaborate with industry in the specialist fields of engineering.
RIfI provides clients with access to the largest Engineering grouping in the UK, offering the highest standard of facilities and research expertise over a whole range of engineering sciences. RIfI has close links with other University-based consultancy units and experts, allowing interdisciplinary projects to be tackled and bespoke teams of experts to be assembled to meet your needs.
RIfI encourages and facilitates collaborative work between industry and the wider activities of Engineering and the Environment and has a history of successful collaboration with leading technology companies worldwide. Our clients are from many business sectors including, Aerospace, Automotive, Marine, Manufacturing, Energy, Bioengineering, Cryogenics, Packaging, Materials, Surface Engineering Coatings and Tribology.