In early 1996, the ability to run NASA Lewis Research Center's Abe Silverstein 10- by 10-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel (10x10) at subsonic test section speeds was reestablished. Taking advantage of this new speed range, a subsonic research test program was scheduled for the 10x10 in the fall of 1996. However, many subsonic aircraft test models require an exhaust source to simulate main engine flow, engine bleed flows, and other phenomena. This was also true of the proposed test model, but at the time the 10x10 did not have a model exhaust capability. So, through an in-house effort over a period of only 5 months, a new model exhaust system was designed, installed, checked out, and made ready in time to support the scheduled test program.
The system is designed to provide two lines of altitude exhaust, each capable of supplying up to 10 lb/sec of flow that can be connected to models in the 10x10. Flexible 8-in.-diameter hoses connecting the exhaust system to the model in the test section allow the model to be moved to desired pitch and yaw angles for research testing. Downstream of each hose, a 12-in.-diameter exhaust pipeline contains a flow measurement station (orifice plate and pressure transducers) and an electrohydraulic flow-control butterfly valve. The model exhaust system can be connected through valving to either of two exhaust sources-the tunnel exhausters or the lab central altitude exhaust system. Control for the exhaust system comes from the Westinghouse WDPF (Westinghouse Distributed Process Family) tunnel control system. This system can automatically control to an entered flow set point for each exhaust line.
Find out more about the Abe Silverstein 10- by 10-Foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel.
Lewis contacts: James W. Roeder, Jr., (216) 433-5677,
James.W.Roeder@grc.nasa.gov,
and Gary A. Klann, (216) 433-5715,
Gary.A.Klann@grc.nasa.gov
Author: James W. Roeder, Jr.
Headquarters program office: OASTT
Programs/Projects: Aeronautics Base R&T, AST, HSR
Previous articleLast updated April 16, 1998, by Nancy.L.Obryan@nasa.gov
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