Expected productivity benefits resulting from the new data acquisition, processing and control system for Tunnel 16T at AEDC

Abstract

Abstract : Requirements for large scale transonic wind tunnel test capability into the next century necessitate that significant sustainment efforts be undertaken for U.S. facilities to maintain reliable and efficient testing services. Many national facilities located at the major NASA centers and the Department of Defense's Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) are in the middle of or preparing for major refurbishment programs. In Fiscal Year 1998, the Propulsion Wind Tunnel (PWT) Facility at AEDC launched a 7 year, $80M sustainment program which will improve reliability, reduce testing cycle time, reduce the number of operational station keepers, and improve the quality of test data in the 16 foot transonic and supersonic wind tunnels. A major part of this program is a total replacement of the data acquisition, processing and control systems in Tunnel 16T. This effort will provide major improvements in productivity of the test process as well as improved reliability and quality of data. This effort, along with ongoing maintenance and improvement projects, will sustain the world class status of this important development wind tunnel.