The Human-Flow Interactions Wind Tunnel
The Human Flow Interaction Tunnel is a state-of-the-art wind tunnel, developed with British Cycling and supported by the National Wind Tunnel Facility. Its large working section enables advanced real-world testing across industries, from elite sports to automotive cooling and renewable energy.
The tunnel uniquely integrates experimental data with simulation work from the Modelling and Simulation Centre, offering collaborators a powerful combination of tools for interdisciplinary research.
Bespoke, cutting edge research
The Human Flow Interaction Tunnel addresses the challenge of accurately simulating and measuring real-world conditions, enabling better performance optimisation in sports, improved cooling and energy efficiency for electric vehicle systems, and more precise urban planning for pedestrian comfort. The tunnel also allows for highly accurate, large-scale testing, especially for projects that require full-size models, which are often constrained by smaller facilities.
Its stand-out capabilities include a large working section, which allows for the full-scale testing and validation of real-world objects such as cyclists, automotive systems, and even scaled city models. The ability to use advanced simulation tools from the Modelling and Simulation Centre also enables a more holistic approach to problem-solving. This combination of experimental and computational methods presents an exciting opportunity for collaborators to push the boundaries of innovation.
The wind tunnel serves a wide range of stakeholders and is particularly valuable to those seeking to enhance performance through aerodynamic testing, optimise cooling systems, or design more efficient and comfortable urban environments.
Our impact
The Human–Flow Interactions Wind Tunnel delivers precise, full-scale aerodynamic insights that drive real-world innovation. From boosting athletic performance to improving vehicle efficiency and urban design, our work creates practical benefits for industry and society.
Speak to our experts
Timothy Carew
Knowledge Exchange Research Fellow
Tim is a Knowledge Exchange Research Fellow specialising in Applied Aerodynamics. His research applies simulation and computational engineering design processes to problems in aerodynamics, with a particular focus on Sports Engineering applications. Additionally, Tim works to develop the University’s strategic partnership with its academic and industrial collaborators, including British Cycling.
Prof Alistair Revell
Director of the Modelling and Simulation Centre
Prof Revell’s research spans a range of computational engineering work, with a primary focus on turbulence modelling and simulation across different domains (external aerodynamics, internal thermal hydraulics and some cardiovascular flows). His applied work in the Aerospace and Automotive sectors includes the prediction of turbulence modelling & simulation, and novel strategies for drag reduction.
Prof Shan Zhong
Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Prof Zhong's research is concerned with the fundamental physical mechanics of complex fluid phenomenon using various experimental methods, including PIV and flow visualization techniques. The primary focus is flow control with the aim of increasing aerodynamics performance, operation range and fuel efficiency of turbomachinery and air/land transportation vehicles.
Dr Mark Quinn
Senior Lecturer in Aerospace Engineering
Dr Quinn's main research interests are transonic and supersonic aerodynamics, experimental aerodynamics and experimental design.
Dr Ozgun Ozer
Technical Specialist (Avionics & Aero)
Dr Dianfang BI
Technical Specialist (Aerodynamics)
