High Mach Number, High Reynolds Number Perfect Gas Wind Tunnels, and A Method of Performance Comparison
Abstract
The regimes of high velocity flight are investigated and simulation of such conditions is shown to require simulation of high Reynolds numbers in addition to high Mach numbers, plus consideration of thermo-chemical-kinetic effects. Real gas simulation, which requires duplication of stagnation enthalpy is shown to be impractical in wind tunnels. Perfect gas simulation is, however, shown to offer an alternative means of high velocity simulation. Considerations of perfect gas simulation are discussed which include non-equilibrium of the test gas, source flow considerations, and saturation limits. A method of comparing perfect gas wind tunnels is then developed based on the basic fluid dynamics scaling parameters plus considerations of reservoir pressure limits and decay rates, wind tunnel size, saturation temperature limits, viscosity considerations, and nitrogen as a test gas. Computer calculations of real gas air and nitrogen expansions for unit Reynolds number are presented graphically based on the method developed for comparing facilities. Finally, four perfect gas wind tunnel facilities which represent the present state of the art are compared using the developed technique.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1970
- Accession Number
- AD0864392
Entities
People
- A. H. Boudreau Jr.
Organizations
- Arnold Engineering Development Complex