Extending the 15in x 15in Arizona Supersonic Wind Tunnel to Transonic Conditions
Abstract
The University of Arizona has recently acquired the Orbital ATK GASL Supersonic Aerodynamic Facility. This facility is a blowdown to atmosphere supersonic wind tunnel with a 15in x 15in x 50in test section. The facility currently operates at Mach 1.75, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5 and 4. Upon installation in early 2020, it will be the largest University operated facility of this type in the U.S. A long-term goal is to extend the operational envelope to subsonic, transonic and hypersonic (Mach 5) conditions making it a polysonic facility. This proposal targets the acquisition of a subsonic nozzle and transonic test section to enable testing in the Mach number range of 0.2-1.2. Transonic aerodynamics are more challenging than subsonic and supersonic flows individually, and in some respects, even more so than hypersonic. This is because transonic aerodynamics contain a mixture of subsonic and supersonic behavior making accurate model predictions very challenging. Even the design of transonic wind tunnels (let alone the execution of actual transonic experiments) is difficult. This has resulted in a dearth of both transonic knowledge and facilities especially at universities. This is unfortunate since many important DoD aerospace systems operate in the transonic regime (e.g. transport aircraft, rotorcraft, turbomachinery and various projectiles). The acquisition of this equipment will allow the University of Arizona to further its leadership in aerodynamics through research and education of scientists and engineers with expertise in transonic flows. Immediate research goals include extending the collective knowledge of certain aerodynamic phenomena, developed in subsonic and supersonic flows, to the transonic regime. More long-term efforts will focus on multidisciplinary collaborations within the College of Engineering and University of Arizona as a whole. Education will be advanced using traditional B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, but also through alternative programs (e.g. Master of Engineering) that target students and working professionals who require basic knowledge in specialized fields like wind tunnel testing and/or a specific flow regime (e.g. transonic, hypersonic). Outreach efforts will leverage ongoing successful programs in the College of Engineering, College of Education and the University at large that target underrepresented groups in STEM. These programs engage undergraduates as well as high school students and teachers. The size and operational characteristics of the experimental facility are attractive to the aerospace industry which will open new avenues for partnerships in both research and education. Collectively, these developments will make the University of Arizona an even more effective producer of exceptional talent from all backgrounds.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 19, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1910440
Entities
People
- Jesse C. Little
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of Arizona