Boundary Layer Transition (BOLT)- Experiments and Simulations (Low Concave Curvature and Leading-Edge Sweep Effects)

Abstract

The project objective is to perform a scientific examination of the transition mechanisms, working with the AFOSR BOLT team, that utilizes wind tunnel testing and numerical analyses to characterize transition physics. An integrated research program to achieve the following overarching goals (and BAA tasks) is proposed: Goal 1 – Understand design requirements as defined by AFOSR; Goal 2- Design and analyze a configuration meeting those requirements. In the process, consider the BOLT geometry as provided by AFOSR; Goal 3 – Analyze the configuration under duplicated flight conditions; and Goal 4 (Years 2 and 3) – Study fundamental transition mechanisms and variants. The TAMU/CUBRC team will perform a combined numerical and experimental research program. These studies will first understand AFOSR design requirements. Then a configuration meeting those requirements will be determined. In the process the BOLT geometry provided by AFOSR will be considered. These studies will first determine if the selected configuration provides the boundary layer transition phenomena of interest at flight conditions. Test articles will be designed to be rapidly machined for follow-up tests if, in the process, our team concludes that a more effective configuration could be generated meeting requirements. This study will include numerical simulation, Mach 6 Quiet Tunnel (TAMU) and full-scale shock tunnel (CUBRC) studies at duplicated flight conditions on the selected geometry. Variant shapes will also be designed using our expertise in the effects of surface roughness and boundary layer trips on hypersonic boundary layers and on swept leading edges. All the construction and instrumentation of the wind tunnel models would take place in our in-house facilities to ensure the most accurate and timely test articles. Testing at flight conditions will occur in the LENS IIS tunnel, which will match the projected velocity and altitude along the flight trajectory of the separate and complementary BOLT

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Apr 09, 2018
Source ID
FA95501810010

Entities

People

  • Helen Reed

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • Texas Engineering Experiment Station
  • United States Air Force

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics.
  • Research Science/Academic Research
  • Software Engineering

Technology Areas

  • Hypersonics
  • Hypersonics - Hypersonic Boundary Layers
  • Hypersonics - Hypersonic Flow