Numerical Simulation of Transonic Wind Tunnel DNW-HST including slotted walls at supersonic Mach Numbers

Abstract

As part of an ongoing effort to improve wind tunnel simulation capabilities and accuracy, an advanced numerical toolchain of the DNW-HST transonic wind tunnel is created. Whereas earlier RANS CFD simulations of the wind tunnel environment have aided in the increased understanding of experimental results at subsonic flow conditions, this paper now demonstrates the numerical simulation capability for the transonic and low-supersonic flow regime. The development of the numerical toolchain is presented via a discussion of the simulation strategy and a demonstration of a wall- and support influence assessment for a basic delta wing configuration at Mach number 1.05 in both free air and the in-tunnel situation. The developed toolchain forms the basis for an optimization of the DNW-HST regarding flow quality, power consumption, Mach number range and some non-linearities that take place e.g. with bigger models in the test section.