Engineering topics

Hall, R. M.

Publications and source records attributed to Hall, R. M..

39 records · Page 3

NASA NTRS1976

Cryogenic wind tunnels: Unique capabilities for the aerodynamicist

The cryogenic wind-tunnel concept as a practical means for improving ground simulation of transonic flight conditions. The Langley 1/3-meter transonic cryogenic tunnel is operational, and the design of a cryogenic National Transonic Facility is undertaken. A review of some of the unique capabilities of cryogenic wind tunnels is presented. In particular, the advantages of having independent control of tunnel Mach number, total pressure, and total temperature are highlighted. This separate control over the three tunnel parameters will open new frontiers in Mach number, Reynolds number, aeroelastic, and model-tunnel interaction studies.

Hall, R. M.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Investigation of minimum operating temperatures for cryogenic wind tunnels

Total temperatures corresponding to the onset of condensation effects were determined for flow over a 0.137-m NACA 0012-64 airfoil mounted in the Langley 1/3-m transonic wind tunnel. Tests were carried out at a total pressure range from 1.2 to 4.5 atm and at free-stream Mach numbers of 0.75, 0.85, and 0.95. No condensation effects were found to occur until total temperatures were below those associated with free-stream saturation. Significant increases in Reynolds number may apparently be obtained by operation at wind tunnel temperatures below those associated with local saturation over the airfoil but above those where effects first occur. For the 0.85 and 0.95 Mach numbers the increase in Reynolds number was at least 15% over those achieved at local saturation conditions for the same pressure range. Higher pressures may have had some detrimental effect in the 0.95 Mach number test.

Hall, R. M.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Preliminary study of the minimum temperatures for valid testing in a cryogenic wind tunnel

The minimum operating temperature which avoids real-gas effects, such as condensation, was determined for M sub infinity = 0.85 flow over a 0.137-meter NACA 0012-64 airfoil mounted in the Langley 1/3-meter transonic cryogenic tunnel. For temperatures within 5 K of reservoir saturation and total pressures from 1.2 to 4.5 atmospheres, the pressure distributions over the airfoil are not altered by real-gas effects. This ability to test at total temperatures below those which avoid saturation over the airfoil allows an increase in Reynolds number capability of at least 17 percent for a constant tunnel total pressure. Similarly, 17 percent less total pressure is required to obtain a given Reynolds number.

Hall, R. M.↗