Research on Advanced Gasdynamic Test Facilities. Part I. Studies of the Isentropic-Compression Tube as a Means for Producing Hypervelocity Test Flows

摘要

The report summarizes research conducted on the use of isentropic-compression techniques for producing hypervelocity test flows. The results of experiments in the pilot isentropic-compression tube are reported and compared with theoretical predictions. It is shown that the experimental results are, in general, in agreement with the theoretical performance predictions for both the isentropic-flow and the free-piston shock-tube mode of operation. Theoretical estimates of the performance of a large-scale high-pressure facility are given which indicate that such a facility would be extremely versatile and capable of performance far exceeding that of existing short-duration high-speed test facilities. The report provides a complete documentation of the research conducted including previously unpublished work recently completed. (Author)