A Combustion-Driven Facility for Hypersonic Sustained Flight Simulation

Abstract

This study reports on the development of a new Blowdown-Induction Facility driven by two different Oxygen-Fueled Guns. The facility has been conceived and realized to simulate different flow conditions in the context of hypersonic sustained flight. Here the underlying principles are illustrated critically, along with a focused description of the various facility subsystems, their interconnections and the procedures specifically conceived to overcome some of the technical complexities on which this facility relies. Its performances are finally presented in relation to some prototype applications, together with an indication of the related limits, advantages and possible directions for future improvements.