The Electric Arc Wind Tunnel-A Tool for Atmospheric Re-Entry Research

Abstract

Because the available test t ime is limited, questions involving the exposure of materials to the high energy re-entry environment cannot be answered in contemporary quasi-steady sources of high temperature air. This paper describes the development and calibration of an arc powered wind tunnel designed to provide steady flow simulation of the conditions encountered during re-entry. Flight velocities between 16,800 and 21,800 fps can be simulated with this device. The flow properties in the tunnel test section can be determined to a degree of accuracy sufficient for quantitative experiment. Further work now in progress will improve the degree of simulation which can be achieved with arc powered wind tunnels.