Experimental characterisation of the CIRA plasma wind tunnel SCIROCCO test section

Abstract

During the Validation Phase of the CIRA-PWT SCIROCCO Facility located at Capua (Italy), a test campaign has been carried out to verify the performances of the facility with the use of the two conical nozzle configurations “D” and “F” with exit diameters are, respectively of, 1150 and 1950 mm. For the first time the data results of the tests have been used to characterize the plasma flow in the test section of the facility. In particular, analytical relationships between the main thermo-fluid-dynamic parameters in the test section and the reservoir conditions of the facility have been found, and compared to the CFD prediction developed during the Design Phase of the facility. Very interesting has been the application of the boundary layer theory to calculate the displacement thickness at the nozzle exit section and the determination of the boundary layer thickness. Good agreement has been found between the boundary layer theory and the experimental results.