Hypervelocity Expansion Facility for Fundamental High-Enthalpy Research
Abstract
Abstract The objective for this proposal is to provide a venue for research in high enthalpy, high Reynolds number transitional and turbulent boundary layer flow, which is inline with Navy interests in hypersonics. To meet this goal, we propose to install a large-scale (24-inch exit diameter) hypervelocity expansion tunnel into the National Aerothermochemistry Laboratory (NAL) at Texas A&M University (TAMU). This will allow leveraging of previous DoD investments in high-energy pulsed laser diagnostics for instantaneous planar velocimetry and thermometry. To date, expansion tunnel facilities are the only known method for producing extreme enthalpies with clean freestream conditions that are representative of flight; that is with the correct chemical and internal energy state composition. The proposed facility will provide the following flow conditions: Enthalpy from 1.3–14 MJ/kg, Mach from 9–15 (U=1.3–6.0 km/sec), and unit Reynolds numbers from 2x105/m–2x108/m. This capability builds on the extensive backgrounds of the PIs in facility development, diagnostic development, fundamental hypersonic flow study, and work force development, where the NAL supports ~20 graduate, postdoc and undergraduate students annually through participation from faculty in aerospace engineering, chemistry, mechanical engineering and physics. In terms of impact, we believe the combination of the expansion tunnel facility with our signature laser diagnostics will provide a rare capability for indepth fundamental and applied studies of hypervelocity high enthalpy flows.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 12, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141512260
Entities
People
- Rodney D W Bowersox
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- Texas Engineering Experiment Station
- United States Navy