DESIGN OF AERODYNAMIC TEST FACILITIES

Very simple and basic theoretical considerations will determine the design features of an aerodynamic facility. Desired Speed/Mach Number range, flight altitudes, Reynolds No etc. will call for different tunnel requirements with regard to model size, tempe-ratures, pressures and energy supply. For certain types of tests there will be special limitations which will be defined and discussed. Restrictions can be of an economic as well as of a physical nature. High temperature simulation, stability and flutter belong to this category. An attempt will be made to give a survey of expedient combinations of e-quipment and devices for covering this vast area of aerodynamic testing. In the original planning of an aerodynamic facility it must be decided upon a long term stategy so that an optimum solution - with alternative development potentials - could be realized in stages. In such basic facilities, the objectives can easily be changed and acconi modated to comply with new strategies or R & D policies.