“High-Speed Wind Tunnel Workshop” Brings Together Leading International Scholars to Advance Hypersonic Research and Education-國立成功大學永續發展SDGs

The Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) launched the two-day “High-Speed Wind Tunnel Workshop” October 14, featuring three internationally renowned experts from the United States and Japan specializing in the field of hypersonic technology. The workshop focuses on the design and upgrading of high-speed wind tunnel systems, aiming to strengthen Taiwan’s academic and research capabilities in hypersonic science through fundamental research, curriculum development, and international collaboration.

“The enhancement of wind tunnel construction and testing technologies provides students with valuable hands-on experience and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration—essential for cultivating the next generation of engineers who possess both theoretical and practical skills,” said Associate Professor Gaetano Currao (黃捷楷), who organized the event for the first time. He expressed hope that through academic exchange with international scholars, NCKU can become a major hub for hypersonic research and education in Taiwan.

Associate Professor Currao emphasized that the development of hypersonic technology requires the integration of experimental, theoretical, and computational approaches, and that well-equipped experimental facilities are critical to advancing this field. Organizing the workshop involved coordinating the schedules and topics of top international scholars while ensuring alignment with Taiwan’s research priorities.

He extended his gratitude to the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), the College of Engineering at NCKU, the Wong Tsoo Systems Engineering Research Center, and the Aeronautical and Astronautical Society of the Republic of China for their strong support, which made the event possible. Looking ahead, the department plans to continue upgrading its hypersonic testing facilities, develop new experimental systems, and pursue inter-university and international collaborations that integrate fundamental research with practical industrial applications, creating a comprehensive educational and research framework that bridges theory and engineering practice.

Associate Professor Currao explained that a high-speed wind tunnel is an experimental facility capable of generating airflows exceeding the speed of sound (Mach number > 1). It is used to simulate the aerodynamic behavior of aircraft under supersonic and hypersonic conditions, allowing researchers to test aerodynamic design, structural strength, and thermal protection performance. Unlike subsonic conditions, supersonic flows generate shock waves accompanied by drastic temperature and pressure changes, making wind tunnel testing essential for understanding aerodynamic characteristics in high-speed flight.

The workshop featured three internationally renowned scholars: Professor Frank K. Lu from the University of Texas at Arlington (USA), Professor Joseph S. Jewell from Purdue University (USA), and Dr. Hideyuki Tanno from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). 
The three experts presented their latest research in areas including high-enthalpy hypersonic shock tunnels, detonation propulsion systems, shock–boundary layer interactions, and experimental flow diagnostics. Associate Professor Currao opened the workshop with two keynote talks — “Why Taiwan Needs Hypersonic Research” and “The Necessity and Framework for Establishing a Hypersonic Wind Tunnel at Universities” — exploring the importance of hypersonic technology and its future development prospects for Taiwan.

Professor Frank K. Lu delivered two lectures: “Ground Testing, Numerical Simulation, and Flight Testing — A Triad Approach to Hypersonic Research” and “The New Technological Revolution: Contributions to Detonation Propulsion Development.” Professor Joseph S. Jewell discussed “Building Hypersonic Aerodynamics Capabilities at Purdue University,” while Dr. Hideyuki Tanno presented “JAXA Hypersonic Wind Tunnel Facilities and Design Considerations,” offering valuable insights into Japan’s experience in facility design and operation.

Associate Professor Currao expressed appreciation to the 50 scholars and experts who attended the workshop, noting that the event served as a valuable platform for academic exchange and technological collaboration. He hopes the discussions will inspire new research directions, guide the optimization of existing wind tunnel systems, and support the development of future facilities. Moving forward, NCKU’s Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics will continue to strengthen graduate-level programs in fluid dynamics, propulsion, and high-speed testing, training the next generation of aerospace professionals and advancing Taiwan’s connection to global hypersonic and aerospace research networks.