Calibration of ultra-fast thermocouples for heat-flux determination in the High Enthalpy Shock Tunnel Göttingen (HEG)

Abstract

The High Enthalpy Shock Tunnel Göttingen (HEG) of the German Aerospace Center DLR) is one of the major European hypersonic test facilities. It offers test capabilities which range from high speed flows simulating re-entry flight, to air breathing propulsion testing conditions, down to low altitude Mach 6 flows. One common measurement technique employed in HEG is the determination of the surface heat flux on models by means of temperature measurements with ultra-fast thermocouples. The paper will describe an experimental method to determine the physical properties of the thermocouple material used. This knowledge is important to determine the processed heat flux to the highest accuracy possible.