Upgrades to the Aerodynamic and Propulsion Test Unit Control System and Simulator in Support of the Medium Scale Components Direct-Connect Test Program

摘要

Advanced ground-test facilities such as the Aerodynamic and Propulsion Test Unit (APTU) at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) require advanced, state-of-the-art, high-speed control systems to operate safely and robustly. Given the unique nature in which APTU and other blowdown test facilities operate, a high-fidelity transient facility math model and computer simulation is integrated into the new APTU control system to verify hardware operation and test sequence logic before each run. AEDC invested in a new control system and facility simulation for APTU in 2009. With the upcoming Medium Scale Critical Components (MSCC) direct-connect test program, additional improvements and additions will be required to support the direct-connect testing of the medium scale scramjet propulsion systems. This paper will document the enhancements to various fluid models and routines to calculate selected facility performance parameters. The new requirements imposed on the control system and facility model due to the installation of a new heated fuel system will be described.