Ground Testing

Abstract

Successful research and development of hypersonic vehicles require an integrated test and evaluation strategy consisting of ground testing, numerical simulation, and, ultimately, prototype flight testing.Ground testing is conducted for various objectives: the maturation of technology on a sub-scale or full-scale level; the understanding of important physical phenomena which have first-order influence on the vehicle design; the generation of databases by parametric studies for the vehicle development; and the validation of simulation codes or empirical correlations. For aerothermodynamics, propulsion and materials testing these goals are challenging because of a wide range of flow conditions are encountered during hypersonic flight, with a variety of physical phenomena. This diversity makes it impossible to realize all flow characteristics of a hypersonic flight in a single ground test facility. The chapter introduces the most common types of hypersonic wind tunnel facilities and provides an overview of the capabilities of important worldwide facilities known from public scientific literature and the internet.The chapter also highlights the main measurement techniques available in ground tests which are not available in flight. Based on the current state of hypersonic ground testing, recommendations are given for the enhancement of ground testing capabilities for the future research and development of hypersonic vehicles.