Wind Tunnel Market Research Report and Outlook by 2028

The wind tunnel industry is anticipated to grow significantly, reaching a valuation of approximately US$ 3,784.56 million by 2028, up from US$ 2,706.26 million in 2021. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% from 2021 through 2028.

Wind tunnels serve a crucial role for architects, engineers, and aerodynamic specialists, allowing them to assess a diverse range of structures, including buildings, vehicles, and aircraft designs. These facilities are employed across various sectors, categorized by the wind speeds they can generate, such as low subsonic, transonic, supersonic, and hypersonic. However, there is a noticeable shift from traditional physical wind tunnels to advanced wind tunnel simulations for aerodynamic testing. These simulations primarily visualize airflow around objects, assisting design engineers in optimizing lift and drag, identifying and mitigating high wind speed areas, enhancing maximum speed, and minimizing wind noise. This transition is streamlining processes in automotive, aerospace, and construction planning. The results from wind tunnel simulations contribute to shorter prototyping and manufacturing timelines, lower operational costs, and improved computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, enabling engineers to analyze aerodynamic forces and reduce errors in wind tunnel testing. Consequently, the rising demand from various industries is positively influencing the growth trajectory of the wind tunnel market.

Cloud-based simulation technologies allow users to perform multiple design iterations concurrently or explore different design elements simultaneously. In response to the growing need for aerodynamic testing across various sectors, many simulation providers and wind testing firms are offering sophisticated cloud-based wind tunnel solutions. For instance, Altair has introduced the HyperWorks Virtual Wind Tunnel, a dedicated application that enhances wind tunnel simulation specifically for the automotive sector. This intuitive virtual tunnel features an automated setup process and can seamlessly integrate simulation outcomes with high-performance computing systems within the HyperWorks Virtual Wind Tunnel framework.

Koenigsegg, a prominent manufacturer of high-performance supercars, utilizes the ICON simulation software on a cloud-based high-performance computing (HPC) system to minimize the duration of wind tunnel testing and optimize workflows. This simulation-driven approach enables the company?s designers to access robust computing resources remotely, thereby reducing hardware costs and maintenance expenses. The shift from traditional physical wind tunnels to virtual alternatives is a notable trend shaping the future of the global wind tunnel market.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON WIND TUNNEL MARKET

The wind tunnel market has seen consistent demand from end-users, with industrial activities picking up pace since the last quarter of 2020. Additionally, the need for wind tunnels in construction projects has established a stable global demand. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the necessity for high-quality wind tunnel solutions, particularly for electric vehicles, which are essential for aerodynamic testing. Sales of electric vehicles have surged, especially in regions like the USA, China, and Europe, following the onset of the COVID-19 crisis. Although the global wind tunnel market faced an initial downturn due to the pandemic's negative effects and associated regulations, a robust recovery is expected, driven by the increasing demand for wind tunnels across various end-use sectors.

The size of the wind tunnel market has been assessed through a combination of primary and secondary research methodologies. Extensive secondary research was conducted utilizing both internal and external sources to collect qualitative and quantitative data relevant to the market. This research aimed to provide a comprehensive overview and forecast for the wind tunnel market across all segments. Furthermore, numerous primary interviews were held with industry experts, including vice presidents, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, along with external consultants such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the wind tunnel sector. The primary research process was instrumental in validating the data and gaining additional analytical insights into the market.