Vacuum System for Envelope Expansion of the ONR-UTA Arc-Heated Plasma Wind Tunnel
Abstract
351 [ Marineau, Eric ]Publically ReleasableVacuum System for Envelope Expansion of the ONR-UTA Arc-Heated Plasma Wind TunnelThe University of Texas at Arlington Arlington, TX 76019AbstractThe University of Texas at Arlington houses a unique combination, in the academic panorama, of experimental facilities dedicated to fundamental research with focus on relevant aspects of low-speed, high-speed, high-enthalpy flows, and high-temperature gas/surface interaction. In particular, the Aerodynamics Research Center was awarded agrant by the Office of Naval Research and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to develop, based on the previous 1.6MW Arc-Heated Wind Tunnel (AHWT) system, a national-level research facility for high-temperature materials development and characterization in support of DoD programs on ultra-high temperature materials for hypersonic technologies. The only university-operated, large-scale, arc-heated wind tunnel in the country capable of high-impact pressures and high-shear. For more than 40 years, arc-jet testing has served as primary basis for characterizing Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) in support of material development and response model validation. AHWT facilities provide the only ground-based means of simulating hypersonic heating rates (entry, re-entry, hypersonic cruise) in a reacting flow environment under flight-relevant durations. Arc-jet testing provides data for detail material response models that can reduce uncertainty and the magnitude of thickness margins. Arc-jets are also essential to investigate mechanical failure modes including erosion, spallation, and losses related to shear effects. This proposal is for critical equipment to be integral part of the ONR-UTA arc-heated plasma wind tunnel. Specifically, addition of three vacuum pumps to the wind tunnel as part of the original design to operate that facility at nominal conditions is considered in this proposal. This equipment allows for a significant extension of the arc-jet performance envelope to test larger TPS material samples at representative flight altitudes. With theproposed upgrades and expanding the operational envelop of the ONR-UTA arc-heated plasma wind tunnel, a unique platform will be in place to support the Department of Defense programs on aerothermodynamics and ultra-high temperature materials for hypersonic technologies. Participating students will be able to gain unique scientific and technical expertise in associated disciplines relevant to the DOD.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 03, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142312271
Entities
People
- Luca Maddalena
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Texas at Arlington