Flow calibration of two hypersonic nozzles in the AEDC HEAT-H2 high-enthalpy arc-heated wind tunnel

Abstract

Abstract : The Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) has added to its test facility inventory an arc-heated wind tunnel that can provide a large free-jet (up to 42-in. diam at the nozzle exit) hypersonic flow. The tunnel, designated HEAT-H2, uses air for true-temperature, true-pressure simulations at velocities up to 15,000 ft/sec and altitudes up to 165,000 ft. Existing conical nozzles yield flow Mach numbers from 4 to 8. Included herein is a summary of facility capabilities and selected results from an initial flow-field calibration. Two free-jet nozzles were calibrated, a 9-in exit diam nozzle and a 24-in exit diam nozzle, both with 1.5-in diam throats. Measurements within the free jet included distributions of pitot pressure, total enthalpy, and flow angle. Surface pressure and heat flux data on blunt cones and wedges were also obtained. Arc heater chamber conditions ranged from 31 to 65 atm pressure, with total enthalpy from 1,500 to 2,160 Btu/lbm. The facility should prove useful for a wide variety of hypersonic testing requirements including aerothermal testing of structures, heat shields, antenna windows, etc., and aeropropulsion testing of scramjet combustors.