11-by 11-foot Transonic Wind Tunnel
11-by 11-foot Transonic Wind Tunnel
• Mach Number: 0.20 to 1.45• Rn = 0.30 to 9.6 million per foot
• Stagnation Pressure, PSIA: 3.0 to 32.0
• Maximum stagnation temperature = 150°F. Typical Temperature variation over the course of a test = 20°F
• Closed circuit, single return, variable density, continuous flow wind tunnel
• Interchangeability of models between Unitary test sections allows testing across a wide range of conditions
• Internal strain-gage sting mount, model component and floor balances are used for measuring forces and moments. Ames and Langley inventories typically available
• Full support of DTC PSI module capability
• Support strut has simultaneously variable pitch and yaw capability (plus or minus 15°)
• There are two controllable 3000 psi auxiliary air systems capable of flow rates up to 40 lb/sec each. One line can be controlled up to 80 degrees F and the other up to 400 degrees F
• User interaction will be X-terminal based
• Full internal and external network capability. PCs and Macs available to customers as needed
• Typical two weeks of model build up and instrument preparation is included in the facility occupancy charge
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* Click on image to enlarge |
Height
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11.0 ft.
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Width
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11.0 ft.
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Length
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22.0 ft.
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Access hatch, top:
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7.0 x 22.0 ft.
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Side doors:
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3.0 x 4.9 ft.
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11ft Transonic Wind Tunnel Test Section
Drawings
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The forward and aft limits of the model location in the test section are dependent on the Mach number and the type of data required. As identified by tunnel station:
Station
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Limit
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175
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Aft limit for subsonic
drag perfromance testing
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193
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Aft limit for subsonic
static stability and control testing
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220
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Aft limit for supersonic
static stability and control testing
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60
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Forward limit for subsonic
testing
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100
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Forward limit for supersonic
testing
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*Consult the test manager for any deviations from these limits.
A traversing strut downstream of the test section can be programmed to translate vertically to maintain a desired point of model-pitch rotation throughout the vertical plane angle-range. The model support center-of-rotation in the horizontal plane is 4.8 inches aft of the strut leading edge. These angles are continuously variable and are determined by the relative positions of a knuckle and sleeve inside the support body.
The model support system can position the model at attitudes circumscribed by a 15-degree half-angle cone. Bent primary adapters of 5, 10, 12.5, and 20 degrees are available to alter the range of model angles. Forces and moments resolved at the model support center of rotation are limited to:
Vertical
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± 8,000 lbs
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Lateral
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± 4,000 lbs
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Axial
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± 3,000 lbs
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Rolling Moment
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± 104,000 in-lbs
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Combined Vertical and Lateral
Bending Moment
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± 800,000 in-lbs
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A load compensation system capable of exerting a downward force of up to 8,000 lbs over a vertical travel range of 51 inches is available at tunnel stations 215.8 or 239.4. This system is used to offset high-lift forces which would otherwise exceed the design-load limits of the strut.
A subfloor-mounted turntable model support, used primarily for semispan model testing, is located at tunnel station 106. This support system can be rotated +180 degrees and forces and moments are limited to:
Lateral force (at a height
of up to 24 inchest above the floor):
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± 50,000 lbs
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Torque (about axis of turntable):
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± 500,000 in-lbs
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 Semispan model installed in 11 Foot Test Section |
Provisions are available for sealing the slots in the test section
floor to provide a solid image plane for semispan testing.
| Size / Model | ||||||||
| 6K, MC-6.0-27.5 | ||||||||
| 15K, MC-150-27.5 | ||||||||
| 40K, MC-400-27.5 | ||||||||
Installation and Personnel Access
 Hatch Dimensions: 7.0 ft. x 22.0 ft. * Click on image to enlarge |
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Models can be installed through a hatch in the top of the test section. Personnel gain access to the test section through doors in the diffuser sidewalls downstream of the model support strut. |
Flow visualization techniques are available through multiple, optical-quality windows in the tunnel sidewalls. Optical-quality windows are also available in the test section ceiling and floor.
High-pressure air (3,000 psi) is available at weight flows to 80 pounds per second through dual, independently regulated lines ending within the support strut. A one-megawatt, moveable heater can preheat air from one of these lines. Preheated air at 60 pounds per second is available at the turntable.
