Experimental Facilities

8 min read Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) Research teams at the NASA Glenn Research Center perform experiments in world-class facilities such as the 9- by 15-Foot Low-Speed Wind Tunnel (9 x15 LSWT), the Aero-Acoustic Propulsion Laboratory (AAPL), the Small Hot Jet Acoustic Rig (SHJAR), the Nozzle Acoustic Test Rig (NATR), the DGEN AeroPropulsion Research Turbofan (DART), and the Acoustical Testing Laboratory (ATL). 9×15 Low-Speed Wind Tunnel (9×15 LSWT) The 9- by 15-Foot Low Speed Wind Tunnel is specially designed to give researchers a controlled environment to study aircraft engine aerodynamics and acoustics at takeoff and landing conditions. This helps us to reduce noise in communities near airports. Major modifications were completed in 2019 to improve the flow and lower the background noise of the tunnel. A new 5-sensor traversing microphone rake helps measure sound produced by scale experimental propulsors. Read more about the capabilities of the 9 x 15 LSWT on our facilities page. Advanced Ducted Propulsor (ADP) Fan Commissioning Test (side view) in the 9×15 Low-Speed Wind Tunnel. NASA Aero-Acoustic Propulsion Laboratory (AAPL) The Aero-A