Comparison of Shuttle Orbiter surface pressures with wind tunnel andtheoretical predictions

Abstract

Surface pressure information obtained from measurements in the forward fuselage region of the Space Shuttle Orbiter during its re-entry through the atmosphere can be used in various aerodynamic calculations. These pressure data are part of the overall flight data system on the Orbiter and are designated Development Flight Instrumentation (DFI). In order that ground-based pressure distribution prediction techniques may be verified by the actual performance of the Orbiter in flight, a comparison between this flight pressure data and both wind tunnel and computational data is presented. An analysis of the Orbiter's pressure data system, including the transducers, their behavior, and calibration, is also presented. This analysis provides the opportunity for an error assessment calculation for the flight data and an explanation of any differences between flight- and ground-based data.