Comparison of Turbulent Prediction Methods with Ground and Flight Test Heating Data

Abstract

Theme E turbulent heating data and predictions usually are compared as a function of one test variable with others held constant. Data measured at different test conditions can be compared with predictions if the data are transformed to an incompressible plane according to the particular prediction method. * In this investigation, data obtained in both ground and flight tests for which the flow conditions are documented or are calculated readily are compared with results from several prediction methods in the respective incompressible planes. The purpose of this comparison is to provide simple engineering approaches for predicting turbulent boundary-layer heating. The results of this investigation cover a wide range of experimental data and are unique since a direct comparison of flight and ground test results is possible.