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Performance data are presented for this tunnel, which has a Mach number range from 2.0 to 3.5. The tunnel circuit, model support systems, auxiliary systems, instrumentation, control room equipment, and automatic recording and computing equipment are described. Information is presented on criteria for designing models, and on shop facilities available to users.
An 0.015-scale space shuttle vehicle model was tested to investigate Orbiter wind bending, elevon panel loads, and elevon effectiveness. Mach numbers from 1.5 through 2.5 were investigated. Angles of attack and sideslip were varied from -8 degrees through +8 degrees. Post test analysis of raw wind tunnel data indicated a zero shift had occured in the wing bending and torsional gages during the test. The mechanism by which this shift occurred was not determined. Therefore, all the wind root bending and torsional moment data is suspect.
Experimental aerodynamic investigations were conducted, during the period July 18-19, 1974, in the AEDC/VKF Tunnel A facility on a 0.01-scale model (52-OTS) of the integrated space shuttle vehicle, including only one SRB. The purpose of the investigation was to obtain data for close-in proximity (SRB to orbiter/tank) effects with the orbiter/tank combination at relatively high alpha and beta attitudes, and with the SRB separation motors off. The AEDC Captive Trajectory System (CTS), which supported the SRB, was used in conjunction with the tunnel primary sector (supporting the orbiter/tank) to obtain grid type separation effects data. The one symmetrical SRB model was used interchangeably to obtain both right-hand and left-hand SRB data. Free-stream data were also obtained for the orbiter/tank and for the SRB. This data was used to provide baselines for proximity effects. The entire investigation was conducted at a free-stream Mach number of 4.5 with unit Reynolds number ranging from 4.0 to 6.5 million per foot.
Data tables, model figures, and tabulated source data are given for aerodynamic investigations of separation effects in the integrated space shuttle vehicle. For Volume 1, see N75-28101.
Graphical data obtained during experimental wind tunnel aerodynamic investigations of a 0.010 scale model (52-OTS) of the integrated space shuttle vehicle was presented. The purpose of this investigation was to obtain data with the solid rocket booster (SRB) in proximity to the orbiter/external tank (O/ET), over a large O/ET initial angle of attack and sideslip range, as well as data on the SRB alone (greatly separated from the O/ET). A captive trajectory system, which supported the SRB, was used with the tunnel primary sector (supporting the O/ET) to obtain grid type separation effects data. One symmetrical SRB model was used interchangeably to obtain right-hand and left-hand SRB data. The entire investigation was conducted at a free-stream Mach number of 4.5 at unit Reynolds number of 3.95 and 5.9 million per foot.
Tabular data obtained during experimental wind tunnel aerodynamic investigations of a 0.010 scale model (52-OTS) of the integrated space shuttle vehicle was presented. The purpose of this investigation was to obtain data with the solid rocket booster (SRB) in proximity to the orbiter/external tank (O/ET), over a large O/ET initial angle of attack and sideslip range, as well as data on the SRB alone (greatly separated from the O/ET). A captive trajectory system, which supported the SRB, was used with the tunnel primary sector (supporting the O/ET) to obtain grid type separation effects data. One symmetrical SRB model was used interchangeably to obtain right-hand and left-hand SRB data. The entire investigation was conducted at free-stream Mach number of 4.5 at unit Reynolds number of 3.95 and 5.9 million per foot.
The aerodynamic effects of plumes from hot combustion gases in the presence of a transonic external flow field were measured to advance plumes simulation technology, extend a previously acquired data base, and provide data to compare with the effects observed using cold gas plumes. A variety of underexpanded plumes issuing from the base of a strut-mounted ogive-cylinder body were produced by combusting solid propellant gas generators. The gas generator fired in a short-duration mode (200 to 300 msec). Propellants containing 16 percent and 2 percent A1 were used, with chamber pressures from 400 to 1800 psia. Conical nozzles of 15 deg half-angle were tested with area ratios of 4 and 8. Pressures were measured in the gas generator combustion chamber, along the nozzle wall, on the base, and along the body rear exterior. Schlieren photographs were taken for all tests. Test data are presented along with a description of the test setup and procedures.
Wind tunnel tests were performed to determine pressures, heat transfer rates, and gas recovery temperatures in the base region of a rocket firing model of the space shuttle integrated vehicle during simulated yawed flight conditions. First and second stage flight of the space shuttle were simulated by firing the main engines in conjunction with the SRB rocket motors or only the SSME's into the continuous tunnel airstream. For the correct rocket plume environment, the simulated altitude pressures were halved to maintain the rocket chamber/altitude pressure ratio. Tunnel freestream Mach numbers from 2.2 to 3.5 were simulated over an altitude range of 60 to 130 thousand feet with varying angle of attack, yaw angle, nozzle gimbal angle and SRB chamber pressure. Gas recovery temperature data derived from nine gas temperature probe runs are presented. The model configuration, instrumentation, test procedures, and data reduction are described.
In the present study of the effects of operational factors and nozzle design parameters on the size of the quiet test section in several Mach 3.5 wind tunnel nozzles, the test results from a rapid expansion pilot nozzle with boundary layer removal slots upstream of the throat have shown that the low stream noise levels required for transition research are only obtainable with laminar nozzle wall boundary layers. Six different nozzles were evaluated, including a flat wall radial flow nozzle and a novel rod-wall nozzle. Attention is given to rms surface finish effects on quiet test region length.
Methods for increasing the radiant in light sheets used for vapor screen set-ups were investigated. Both high-pressure mercury arc lamps and lasers were considered. Pulsed operation of the air-cooled 1-kW lamps increased the light output but decreased reliability. An ellipsoidal mirror improved the output of the air-cooled lamps by concentrating the light but increased the complexity of the housing. Water-cooled-4-kW lamps coupled with high-aperture Fresnel lenses provided reasonable improvements over the air-cooled lamps. Fanned laser beams measurements of scattered light versus dew point made in conjunction with successful attempts to control the fluid injection. A number of smoke generators are described and test results comparing smoke and vapor screens are shown. Finally, one test included a periscope system to relay the image to a camera outside the flow.
Rayleigh and Raman scattering measurements have been performed in the 20-in., Mach 6 wind tunnel at the NASA Langley Research Center. Rayleigh results show signal levels much higher than expected for molecular scattering in the tunnel, whereas densities deduced from spontaneous Raman scattering of molecular nitrogen are in good agreement with the expected nitrogen densities in the facility. The apparent discrepancy in the Rayleigh result is attributed to cluster formation as a result of expansion in the tunnel. The dependence of the Rayleigh signal on the stagnation pressure and temperature is also discussed.
A novel efficient drive system has been developed which provides for the continuous operation of a pitot Mach 2.5 wind tunnel at compression ratios down to 0.625:1. The drive system does not require an overpressure to start, and no hysteresis has been observed. The general design of the proof-of-concept wind tunnel using the new drive system and its modifications are described.
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