Hydro & aero technologies and science laboratory

The hydro & aero technologies and science laboratory uses its know-how in science and experimental techniques in fluid mechanics and aerodynamics for:

• the design of test benches
• the development of aero/hydro technologies
• the handling and installation of imaging and measuring systems

The laboratory’s main application domains are:

• hydrodynamics and aerodynamics
• hydronautics (marine technologies) and aeronautics (aircraft, drones)
• hydraulics (ram, cavitation) and aeraulics (wind turbines)

The main areas of scientific research concern:

• the flows and unsteady aerodynamic forces
• compressible flows

This laboratory was recently distinguished internationally through the invention of an innovative aerodynamic wind tunnel based on «pixels» of wind, useful in particular for testing, development and certification of drones. This wind tunnel is also operational for all other tests requiring conditions that cannot be realised in a conventional wind tunnel (weather, gusts, shearing, inclined winds, etc.). The investment gave rise to a start-up from HEPIA, WindShape.

Other examples of recent achievements:

• Experimental aerodynamics within a horological system
• Robotic bench for drones
• Micro-imaging of supersonic flows exiting from microscopic nozzles
• Innovative calibration bench for aeronautical vibrometers at ultra-high frequencies
• Agile and high-yield bio-inspired marine propeller
• Control of flows over marine and aeronautical propellers and wind turbine blades
• Test bench for test tank
• Ultra-rapid respiratory flow sensor
• Aeronautical sensor (Atmospheric Liquid Water Content)