Aerodynamic Design and Calibration of the VKF 50-Inch Hypersonic Wind Tunnels

Abstract

The theoretical and empirical methods used in the aerodynamic design of the 50-Inch Mach 8 Tunnel (B) and the 50-Inch Mach 10 Tunnel (C) are described. Both tunnels have axisymmetric contoured nozzles. Calibration data concerning Mach number distribution, boundary-layer thickness, and diffuser performance are also presented. PUBLICATION REVIEW This report has been reviewed and publication is approved.~D arreld K. Calkins Major, USAF AF Representative, VKF DCS/Test iii ') dJ / C-}Un 1 c.:/ /J ean A. Jack '~Colonel, USAF DCS/Test CONTENTS

Flow Quality Improvement at Mach 8 in the VKF 50-Inch Hypersonic Wind Tunnel B

“…hypersonic tunnel is discussed in Ref. 1. The reference indicates that along the axial centerline of the tunnel in an area of frequent model testing, there was a nonuniformity in Mach number of approximately 0.3.…”

“…1. The old throat had a radius of curvature to throat radius ratio of 5, and was defined by an analytical expression (a cubic for the entrance and a semicubic for the supersonic portion, Ref.…”

Mechanical Design of the 50-Inch Mach 10-12 Tunnel

“…2. It is believed that the same contoured expansion sections can be used for both Mach 10 and Mach 12 operation.…”