Day Two: Honda introduces its HALO wind tunnel facility
Honda Automotive Laboratories of Ohio (HALO)

Day 2 of Automotive Testing Expo has seen Honda Development & Manufacturing of America speak to visitors about its brand-new Honda Automotive Laboratories of Ohio (HALO) wind tunnel facility, located on the grounds of the Transportation Research Center in East Liberty, Ohio.

A key feature of the new wind tunnel is that it allows engineers to conduct testing and research in the areas of aeroacoustics and aerodynamics (passenger vehicles and motorsports/racing) in the same facility. Chris Combs, wind tunnel business strategy lead, was keen to reveal the wind tunnel’s advantages, “This facility has the capability of bringing all teams under one roof for efficiency and collaborative efforts. Instead of traveling to multiple facilities around the world, we offer the convenience of one location with the expertise of each focus area, from aerodynamics to aeroacoustics.”

The wind tunnel has a top speed of 310km/h, enabling it to support both passenger vehicle and racing programs. With its acoustic environment of <57dBA at 140km/h, engineers can measure, analyze and identify noise sources that directly contribute to the passenger experience. Combs elaborated, “We offer any type of testing where a uniform and repeatable wind source is valuable in your product’s design and innovation. This includes, but is not limited to, aeroacoustics, aerodynamics, structural strength and CFD correlation. The potential is incredibly broad.” He added that the rapid test iteration allows the team to quickly identify the design direction to meet the program’s target performance.

Combs continued, “Wind tunnel testing is present throughout the entire product development cycle for production vehicles. From full-size clay model design iteration to confirming that manufacturing variance is meeting your company’s requirements, we are able to support all aspects of product creation. The same applies to motorsports. From the fundamental design that all supported teams will use to minor iterations needed throughout the season on an individual team basis, wind tunnel testing is integral for delivering a win for both consumers and race teams.”

Mike Unger, HALO wind tunnel lead, echoed Combs, “The auto industry has a lot of opportunity on the horizon and we have an amazing tool [HALO wind tunnel] to embrace what lies ahead.”

“Having been to Automotive Testing Expo in past years, we’ve seen it’s a great venue where engineers are looking for the latest technology and capabilities to help bring their creations to market with confidence,” Combs revealed. “Knowing this, we wanted the industry to be aware of a tool available in Ohio that will help them do exactly this.”

HALO features in the September issue of Automotive Testing Technology International. Mike Unger, who heads up the wind tunnel facility, was recently shortlisted for Person of the Year at the ATTI Awards.
“2022 has been a great year as we steadily ramp up our operations," said Combs, live at the expo. "The advanced product development and manufacturing quality teams have been leveraging the tunnel's aeroacoustics capabilities since May.

“Our aerodynamics racing and consumer product development teams have come online this fall. With every day and every test, we are learning key ways to be more efficient while maintaining a high level of data quality. The HALO team refuses to settle for good enough as we continue to grow into the capabilities our wind tunnel has.”

Honda Development & Manufacturing of America is exhibiting at Booth 10038.

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