New transonic test sections for the NAE 5FTx5FT trisonic wind tunnel

Abstract

The NAE 5ftx5ft blowdown wind tunnel has undergone a major upgrade of its transonic testing capabilities. Two entirely new test sections, one for testing two-dimensional models (2D) and one for testing three-dimensional models and reflection plane models (3D), have been constructed. The two test sections are parts of the so-called Roll-in Roll-out Test Section System, so designed that an interchange between the two sections can be carried out within two days, a process that previously required about three weeks. The new test sections have, as before, perforated walls, but with different hole geometry, viz. slanted holes with splitter plates as opposed to normal holes in the original test sections. The design and manufacturing was carried out by Canadian companies. The two test sections have been calibrated with re gard to pressure distributions, flow quality (turbulence and pressure fluctuations), side wall boundary layer characteristics (20), flow angularity and wall interference characteristics. Results from these investigations are presented and compared with corresponding data obtained in the original test sections.