MICROWAVE STUDIES OF FLOW FIELDS AROUND HYPERVELOCITY PROJECTILES
Abstract
The flow surrounding hypersonic bodies in the atmosphere is studied experimentally and theoretically to explain the observable properties of re- entry nose cones. The experimental studies were performed in a ballistic range using blunt plastic models traveling at velocities up to 26,000 fps. The bodies and their wakes were observed with microwave equipment at 2 frequencies, a schlieren system and an UV detector. What appeared to be a transition from laminar to turbulent flow in the wake was detected at 1 mm Hg. The theoretical analysis required to compute the number of electrons per unit length of wake was completed. It was also shown theoretically that the electron concentration as a function of radial distance in the wake can be computed from microwave reflections at several frequencies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0272241
Entities
People
- B. Siperly
- M. Schoonover
- W. Short
Organizations
- General Dynamics