Variable Mach Number Wall Jets for Control/Propulsion on Hypervelocity Projectiles/Interceptors: Tests with an Existing Model.

Abstract

Wind tunnel tests, utilizing a one-sixth scale model of a proposed interceptor configuration, were carried out to assess the feasibility of variable Mach number wall jets for propulsion and control applications at high altitude. The objective of this preliminary study was to assess the performance of such a thruster at high altitude where an enormous billowing of underexpanded exhaust plumes may cause a variety of problems. Included in these is sensor obscuration as a result of the upstream migration of low momentum nozzle boundary layer contaminants. The partially-bounded nature of the wall jet configuration, as well as its variable Mach number capabilities favorably impact this problem. In addition, the configuration admits a simple staging, wherein the nose may explosively separate separate from the afterbody prior to impact for damage enhancement. The tests indicated that no degradation in thrust is inherent to the configuration. Additional flowfield visualizations are required to quantify the obscuration problem at highly underexpanded conditions. Subsequent tests shall also assess the generation of control sideforces with an asymmetric nozzle throat.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA192845

Entities

People

  • Gustave J. Hokenson

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Altitude
  • Boundary Layer
  • High Altitude
  • Hypervelocity Projectiles
  • Load Cells
  • Low Density
  • Mach Number
  • Measurement
  • Models
  • Obscuration
  • Plumes
  • Projectiles
  • Security
  • Stagnation Pressure
  • Strain Gages
  • Wind Tunnel Tests
  • Wind Tunnels

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Propulsion Engineering.
  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics.

Technology Areas

  • Hypersonics
  • Hypersonics - Hypersonic Flow
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers