Advanced Aerodynamic Test Facilities and the 'Slingshot' Concept

摘要

Mechanical acceleration of an encapsulated relatively dense, neutral gas is suggested for the gas supply of a non-conventional wind tunnel. Design considerations for such a novel aerodynamic test facility, christened 'Slingshot', are discussed. Particular attention is concentrated upon the possibility of shock formation within the confined gas during acceleration. The relationship of the widely-used 'shock compressor' within the general class of adiabatic compressors and its limitation for the production of increased temperatures of dense gases are also explained. The potential advantage of 'kinematic staging' for advanced aerodynamic test facilities is stressed. (Author)