AeroFac Mini (Aero-Facility): A Sustainable, Economically Conscious Mini Aerodynamic Testing Facility for Aircraft Using Recyclable Materials in San Beda University, Rizal

Proposed Title

  • AeroFac Mini (Aero-Facility): A Sustainable, Economically Conscious Mini Aerodynamic Testing Facility for Aircraft Using Recyclable Materials in San Beda University, Rizal

Objectives

  • Main objective: to design a sustainable and cost-effective mini aerodynamic testing facility for aircraft models made from recyclable materials, capable of testing basic aerodynamic properties.

  • Short-term objectives:

    • Create a working prototype to test basic aerodynamic properties.

    • Explore various wing and nose designs to determine the most aerodynamically efficient options.

  • Long-term objectives:

    • Promote eco-friendly practices.

    • Provide an accessible tool for educational and research use, particularly in resource-limited settings.

  • Vision statements guiding the project:

    • Discover a new process in which aeronautical engineers create an aircraft while highlighting sustainability.

    • Determine the miniature facility’s ability to measure aerodynamic properties.

    • Promote sustainability and fuel efficiency in the creation of future aircraft using sustainable materials in AeroFac Mini.

Brief Background

  • Aerodynamics testing is critical in aircraft development to analyze parameters such as lift, drag, and airflow dynamics to enhance performance and safety. Source: The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, 1998.

  • Fuel efficiency has been a critical topic, with modern aircraft like the Boeing B787-9 and Airbus A350-900 cited in discussions of fuel efficiency (Tanser, 2024).

  • Traditional wind tunnel facilities are costly, sophisticated, and often require partnerships (e.g., NASA) and are out of reach for many schools, research organizations, and low-budget initiatives (Wild, 2025).

  • Many facilities use non-environmental materials, highlighting a demand for more eco-friendly engineering practices.

  • AeroFac proposes a low-cost, small-scale, and green aerodynamic testing facility made from recyclable materials, offering an affordable alternative to test wings and nose shapes and encouraging sustainability in aerospace design.

Proposed Research Questions

  • How can San Beda Rizal students train to optimize shape and materials to improve real-world efficiency?

  • How can San Beda Rizal students provide hands-on experience in sustainable design to contribute to eco-friendly engineering practices?

  • Why should San Beda University Rizal students design the AeroFac Mini using sustainable materials to help create greener, more cost-efficient aircraft for the future?

Significance of the Study

  • Beneficiaries: Aeronautical Engineering students at San Beda University, Rizal, who will gain experience in aerodynamic testing through a low-cost, eco-friendly facility made from recyclable materials.

  • Broader impact: Provides an accessible model for aerodynamic experimentation to other schools with limited resources.

  • Alignment with sustainability goals and values:

    • SDGs: 44 (Quality Education), 99 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), 1212 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 77 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

    • Laudato Si’: Emphasizes environmental stewardship and integrates ecological considerations into engineering practice.

    • Benedictine Hallmarks: Community learning, stewardship, and stability, with a view to lasting impact for future generations.

Proposed Method

  • Quantitative method: The project uses a quantitative research approach to evaluate aerodynamic performance.

  • Objective of the method: Establish a compact, reasonably priced, and ecologically sustainable aerodynamic testing facility using recyclable materials to examine plane model aerodynamic behavior, including wing and nose shapes.

  • Data and analysis: Conduct several controlled tests to measure and evaluate aerodynamic performance of different aircraft model designs; collect numerical data from tests and analyze connections between model configurations and aerodynamic efficiency using the suggested approach.

  • Notes on scope: The facility will be built using recyclable materials to support sustainability goals.

Alignment of Values: SDGs, Laudato Si’, and Benedictine Hallmarks

  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

    • SDG 1212: Promote responsible production practices via a low-cost, small-scale testing system using recyclable materials.

    • SDG 99: Support innovation and infrastructure by making aerodynamic testing accessible to resource-limited schools and institutions.

    • SDG 77: Contribute to cleaner energy in transportation by encouraging eco-friendly design and materials.

    • Overall objective: Integrative approach to sustainable engineering—advancing clean technology, eco-friendly materials, and inclusive innovation in aerospace education and research.

  • Benedictine Hallmarks:

    • Community: Promotes collaborative learning and shared access to testing capabilities.

    • Stewardship: Eco-friendly practices and responsible use of resources.

    • Stability: Focus on lasting impact for future generations beyond engineering alone.

  • Laudato Si’ Goals: Cry of the Earth

    • Community Involvement and Participation: Makes aerodynamic research more accessible to resource-limited communities.

    • Ecological spirituality: Recognizes that progress should respect people and the planet, blending science with conscience to serve creation rather than harm.

Institutional Context and Submission Details

  • Form: Form A PR 2 (San Beda University-Rizal).

  • Institution: SAN BEDA UNIVERSITY, Integrated Basic Education Department.

  • Addresses:

    • Manila campus: 638 Mendiola St., San Miguel, Manila.

    • Rizal campus: Havila Main Rd., Brgy. San Juan, Taytay, Rizal.

  • Contact details: Telefax numbers provided for Manila and Rizal campuses.

  • Submitted to: Andres S. Budiao (Practical Research 2 Teacher).

  • Role: PR 2 (San Beda University-Rizal).

  • Sources referenced in background:

    • The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica (1998).

    • Tanser (2024).

    • Wild (2025).

  • Notable contextual themes: Sustainability, accessibility, and resource-conscious design in aerospace education.

Appendix: Key Terminology and Concepts (from the transcript)

  • Aerodynamics testing parameters: lift, drag, airflow dynamics.

  • Miniature testing facility concept: AeroFac Mini designed to be low-cost, small-scale, and green using recyclable materials.

  • Educational and research relevance: Aims to provide hands-on experience in sustainable design for students in resource-limited settings.

  • Ethical and practical implications: Emphasizes environmental stewardship (Laudato Si’) and responsible resource use (Benedictine Hallmarks) in engineering education.