University of Southampton RJ Mitchell Wind Tunnel
University of SouthamptonSouthampton
NWTF lists the RJ Mitchell wind tunnel at the University of Southampton as a closed-return facility in Southampton. Its current page gives a 3.5 m × 2.44 m × 10.5 m test section, a 40 m/s maximum flow speed, and published balance, rolling-road, measurement and visualisation capabilities.
Reviewed by Arc · About this review
Key facts
- Published facility identity and location
- NWTF identifies the RJ Mitchell wind tunnel at the University of Southampton and lists its location as Southampton.
- Published operating designation
- NWTF lists the tunnel as a closed-return facility and says it runs continuously.
Testing capabilities
Balance and rolling-road testing
NWTF lists a six-component overhead balance with various mounting options, a two-axis motorised strut with an in-car six-component balance for vehicle work, and a rolling road up to 40 m/s with dual-stage boundary-layer suction.
Flow measurement and visualisation
The facility page lists multichannel simultaneous data acquisition, force and moment, pressure and velocity outputs, stereo PIV, hot-wire anemometry, and smoke, video and surface fluorescent-oilflow visualisation.
Equipment and published limits
| Specification | Published value | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Published test-section dimensions and maximum flow speed | 3.5 m × 2.44 m × 10.5 m; 40 m/s maximum flow speed | These are published facility figures. Confirm the usable model envelope, blockage, support arrangement, rolling-road configuration, measurement setup and applicable flow conditions for a particular programme. |
| Published turbulence intensity | < 0.2% | NWTF lists this turbulence-intensity figure. It is not presented as a universal or guaranteed test condition for every model, speed or measurement arrangement. |
Access and contact
NWTF’s RJ Mitchell page says National Wind Tunnel Facilities are available to industry and academic researchers and links to its contact route. The NWTF contact page invites facilities enquiries and asks for requested facility type, model dimensions, measurements, testing days and preferred timing. Confirm technical suitability, availability, safety requirements, price, lead time and acceptance directly with NWTF.
Facility contact
- Address
- Southampton
United Kingdom - Website
- Official test house website
Standards and accreditation
Public information not available. Contact test facility provider for more information.
What to confirm with the facility
- Published dimensions, flow speed and turbulence intensity do not establish the usable conditions for a particular model, support system, rolling-road arrangement, measurement plan or test condition. Confirm those details with the facility.
Before requesting a test
Public information not available. Contact test facility provider for more information.
Frequently asked questions
Public information not available. Contact test facility provider for more information.
Related testing facilities
Public information not available. Contact test facility provider for more information.
Further reading
Public information not available. Contact test facility provider for more information.
Sources and review
Arc reviewed the linked NWTF facility and contact pages on 30 September 2026 by direct HTTP retrieval. This is a review of published information, not a facility inspection, test witnessing or confirmation of availability. Confirm model suitability, technical conditions and scheduling with NWTF.
Arc publishes this directory entry and does not operate the test facility. Suggest a correction to Arc with a supporting source.
University of Southampton RJ Mitchell
NWTF’s current facility page is used for the tunnel identity, University of Southampton association, Southampton location, published dimensions, performance figures, listed testing capabilities, equipment and industry/academic contact statement. It does not state accreditation, a booking commitment, availability, price, lead time or acceptance for a particular programme.
NWTF’s current contact page provides a facilities-enquiry route and lists information it asks prospective users to provide. It does not confirm availability or acceptance at this specific facility.