Hypersonic Speed Wind Tunnel (IMAGE) Purdue University Caption Brad Wheaton, left, and Peter Gilbert, graduate students in aeronautics and astronautics at Purdue, stand near a segment of a special type of wind tunnel capable of running quietly at hypersonic speeds. Experiments using the wind tunnel are enabling engineers to study how air turns from "laminar," or smooth, to turbulent. Findings will help researchers determine how to control deadly friction and heating in the design of future spacecraft, advanced missiles and "hypersonic" aircraft powered by engines called scramjets. Credit Purdue News Service photo/Andrew Hancock Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.