On Saturday, November 9, 2024, the University of Notre Dame proudly celebrated the opening of the Large Mach 10 Quiet Wind Tunnel, the first facility of its kind in the world. This groundbreaking advancement in hypersonic research provides a unique environment for exploring flight dynamics, turbulence, and propulsion, marking a significant milestone in aerospace innovation.
The facility was officially dedicated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held over Veterans Day weekend, attended by notable figures, including Ambassador Joe Donnelly, Admiral Christopher Grady, Congressman Pat Fallon, Chairman Mike Rogers, and Dean Patricia Culligan. Their remarks highlighted the facility’s potential to advance both national defense and civilian aerospace technology.
“This is a testament to ‘God. Country. Notre Dame,’” said Ambassador Donnelly. “The technology developed here will strengthen our nation and ensure a brighter future for generations to come.”
Admiral Grady, the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, emphasized the tunnel’s role in improving military capabilities and enhancing deterrence against emerging threats. “The implications of hypersonic research extend far beyond defense, fostering economic growth and technological collaboration,” he stated.
Designed by Thomas Corke, Clark Equipment Professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, along with doctoral students Joseph Heston and Jacob Caldwell, the wind tunnel represents the culmination of innovative engineering and academic collaboration. Additional contributions came from fellow doctoral students and the Engineering and Design Core Facility, all working to bring this project to life despite pandemic-related challenges.
The Large Mach 10 Quiet Wind Tunnel adds a new chapter to Notre Dame’s long history of excellence in aerospace innovation, dating back to 1882 when student Albert Francis Zahm created one of the earliest wind tunnels on campus.
“This facility will enhance capabilities for addressing backlogs at Department of Defense testing facilities and will provide crucial resources for a planned graduate program in hypersonic systems,” explained Corke. “Innovation in hypersonics is a priority for our nation’s future safety and prosperity.”
The construction of the tunnel was funded by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)). For further information on hypersonic research and initiatives at Notre Dame, please visit the Hypersonic Systems Initiative.
Contact Information
Brett Beasley
Program Director, Research Content Strategy
Notre Dame Research
Email: bbeasle1@nd.edu
Phone: +1 574-631-8183
About Notre Dame Research
The University of Notre Dame is a private research institution dedicated to advancing human understanding through education, scholarship, and innovative research, aligned with its Catholic mission. For more information, visit research.nd.edu or follow us on Twitter at @UNDResearch.