Results of an investigation of the acoustic and vibrational environment of a full scale space shuttle orbiter structural test panel with simulated TPS in the Ames unitary plan wind tunnel, model 81-0, test OS8A and B
Results of tests OS8A and B and pertinent test and model information are presented. The test was conducted in two parts. Test OS8A was performed in the NASA/ARC unitary 11-foot section and OS8B was conducted in the NASA/ARC unitary 9 x 7 tunnel. Test objectives were to investigate thermal protection system (TPS) tile sensitivity to extreme pressure gradients and vibration and to define the TPS aerodynamic environment. The model utilized for OS8 was a full-scale representation of a portion of the space shuttle orbiter lower wing carry-through structure forward of the aft tank strut and propellant lines. Thermal protection tiles were simulated on the model. The model was instrumented with static pressure orifices, accelerometers, and dynamic pressure transducers (Kulites). A total rake was utilized to obtain boundary layer surveys.