Pressure and Force Measurements on Models Set in Hypersonic Flows: A Review

Abstract

A review of measurement techniques used to obtain aerodynamic forces and moments and surface/flow field pressures for models tested in hypersonic-hypervelocity impulse facilities and in conventional-type hypersonic wind tunnels is presented. Although force and moment measurement techniques presently used in hypersonic wind tunnels are relatively unchanged from the 1960’s and 1970’s, significant advances have recently been made for impulse facilities. For both hypersonic wind tunnels and impulse facilities, the state-of-the-art has advanced via refinements, improved test techniques, and advances in semiconductor technology, data acquisition systems and computers. The introduction of electronically scanned pressure systems over a decade ago “revolutionized” pressure measurements in hypersonic wind tunnels and a second “revolution” is impending with the development and application of optical, two-dimensional, global pressure measurement techniques. The development and continued refinement of miniature piezoresistive transducers has provided the capability to perform detailed surface pressure measurements on relatively small, complex models in impulse facilities; these transducers also provide the capability for intrusive flow field pressure measurements with miniature survey rakes.