The most significant, and also the most challenging part of the project is the construction of the laboratory space accommodating the wind tunnel. Based on the dimensions of the wind tunnel, the necessary space for the proper recirculation of the air and the space needed to move the models, a room with a length of 30-32 m, a width of 9-10 m and a height of around 6 m is needed. The laboratory has to be:
- heated and well insulated as it will be used throughout the year,
- supplied with air exchange openings of appropriate size to satisfy the need for air exchange with the external environment,
- able to shut out the light due to the occupational safety regulations regarding flow visualization and laser measurement techniques,
- supplied with a gate and a cargo elevator to transport the models and measurement equipment.
As the wind tunnel must be located inside the AE building or its immediate vicinity (this is the only way the synergy between the wind tunnels can be exploited), and there is no sufficient space in the current laboratory, a new laboratory space has to be built. The central campus of BME is classified as a World Heritage Site buffer zone, and the AE building was built in 1936 on the filled-up former Danube riverbed. The potentially high construction costs of the laboratory space are justified by the fact that difficulties arising from the architecture, construction permission and statics have to be overcome.
8 different variants were examined for the location of the laboratory space, of which variant ‘I’ offers the widest range of applications. The detailed design of the laboratory was prepared by Norman Engineering Bureau.
The planning application documents were submitted to the building authority of District XI. (Újbuda) in December 2016, and a detailed budget plan is also available.
Establishment of an Atmospheric Flow Laboratory 