Self-Correcting Wind Tunnels.
Abstract
The familiar technique of accounting for wind-tunnel boundary effects by 'correcting' measured data fails in some of the most important flight regimes, such as the transonic and V/STOL. In such domains, typically strongly nonlinear, it seems necessary that the wind tunnel provide the same flow conditions in the vicinity of the model as in flight, since 'corrections' are virtually impossible. Present-day slotted and perforated tunnels, for example, are intended to do this, but are often inadequate. However, unconfined flow is characterized by certain functional relationships among the flow variables at points on a surface within the tunnel; it is always possible to ascertain whether unconfined-flow conditions are actually present, by measuring such quantities and verifying that these relationships are indeed satisfied. These relationships are independent of the configuration being tested. It is proposed here that wind tunnels be provided with sensors to measure such selected quantities on a convenient surface and means to vary wall geometry so as to approach such conditions in an iterative process. (Modified author abstract)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1973
- Accession Number
- AD0764957
Entities
People
- W. R. Sears
Organizations
- Calspan