Acoustic Array Installation

Jacobs Rome Group-
NASA Langley Research Center

NASA Langley Research Center recently completed the installation of an acoustic sensor array in the 14×22 Sub-Sonic Wind Tunnel located at the facility. This installation would be the first of its kind at this facility and would extend the operating life of the tunnel indefinitely.

D&D Mechanical’s Role

D&D Mechanical, Inc. was selected by Jacobs ROME Group and NASA LaRC to provide the structural, electrical and mechanical scopes of work required to integrate the new acoustic sensor array and associated traverse mechanism into the existing wind tunnel. The project required the construction and installation of a modular building addition and substantial structural reinforcement of the existing structure. Additionally due to the extreme accuracy required for repeatability of positioning of the acoustic array and the associated traverse assembly precision alignment utilizing tracking lasers was required to maintain tolerances across the 22 foot wide traverse throughout a 70 linear foot rail system designed to support the traverse and acoustic array in the wind tunnel test cell. Due to the nature of the equipment interface into the existing building it was desired to maintain all associated work under one contract to ensure minimal impact to the project schedule due to coordination.

The Results

D&D Mechanical, Inc. completed the modular building addition fabrication and installation, structural building modifications, installation of an overhead bridge crane, the traverse runway system and traverse, precision laser tracker alignment of all associated traverse runway and traverse equipment as well as installation and startup of all electrical power and controls for the traverse mechanism and overhead bridge crane on schedule. D&D Mechanical’s scope of work performed had a contract value of approximately $1.7 million and was executed from September 2011 through July 2012.

This Project Demonstrates:

• Structural Fabrication
• Heavy Rigging
• Precision Alignment
• Project Controls & Scheduling
• Job Site Coordination
• Safe Work Practices