Presented by Tasshwin S V
During my internship at Genex Space Lab, I had the opportunity to design, fabricate, and analyze a wind tunnel
system. This experience allowed me to connect classroom theories of aerodynamics and fluid dynamics with
hands-on work involving 3D modeling, additive manufacturing, and computational simulations. The goal of the
project was to study airflow behavior and measure key parameters such as lift, drag, stability, and flow separation.
My Learning Journey:
I began by revisiting fundamental concepts such as the Continuity Equation, Bernoulli’s theorem, Newton’s laws,
and the roles of Reynolds and Mach numbers. I also explored how wind tunnels operate— right from airflow
generation and conditioning to the test section where measurements are taken. I learned about the different types
of wind tunnels (subsonic, transonic, supersonic, and hypersonic) and their importance in fields like aerospace,
automotive, civil engineering, sports science, and environmental research.
Skills and Tools I Used:
• SolidWorks (CAD): Designed 3D wind tunnel models.
• ANSYS (CFD): Analyzed flow behavior, pressure, and turbulence.
• 3D Printing: Learned technologies like FDM, SLA, and SLS, and printed prototypes.
• G-Codes: Understood their role in controlling CNC machines and 3D printers.
• Filaments: Researched materials like PLA, ABS, PETG, and their applications.
My Experience at the Space Lab:
One highlight of my internship was visiting the Genex Space Exploration Lab. I explored exhibits such as
telescopes, RC jets, satellite and rocket prototypes (including Gaganyaan and Aditya L1), planetary weight
balance, rover models, the Voyager Golden Record, and a space farming setup. These exhibits gave me a deeper
understanding of aerospace systems and inspired me to think about innovation in this field.
Designing the Wind Tunnel:
Along with my team, I worked on designing and comparing different wind tunnel models using CFD. After
analyzing pressure, velocity, and Mach number, we finalized Krishna’s design (Mach 0.6) for its superior airflow.
For construction, we chose cost-effective materials like acrylic sheets for the test section, a modified leaf blower
for airflow, 3D-printed honeycomb structures, ultrasonic foggers for visualization, LED strips for lighting, and
pressure sensors for data collection.
My Key Takeaways:
This internship gave me a well-rounded learning experience combining theory, design, simulation, and fabrication.
I developed skills in fluid mechanics, CAD modeling, CFD analysis, and additive manufacturing. Most importantly,
I learned how to integrate classical engineering theories with modern simulation tools to create practical solutions.
This strengthened my foundation in aerodynamics and deepened my passion for aerospace and mechanical
engineering.