Interference-free wind tunnel testing of jet propelled missiles

Wind tunnel evaluation of the aerodynamic interaction effects between plume and the external flow past the missile body including the wake boundary (“slipstream”) over powered flight envelopes of rocket propelled vehicles can be greatly facilitated — or even made possible — by a methodology replacing the hot propellant by cold, inert gases. Model nozzle design is based on the second order matching of plume geometry and first order modeling of plume stiffness. Since modeled nozzles will have larger throat radii than the prototypes, one can use sting-supported, sting-fed model installations thus eliminating aerodynamic interference effects due to struts. The concepts of simulated altitude and simulated full-scale Reynolds Number greatly reduce wind tunnel occupancy time. Computer programs, covering all steps of evaluating prototype nozzle performance, model sting nozzle design, model test evaluation and interpretation have been developed. The modeling methodology is supported by experimental results obtained in an induction wind tunnel at the FFA, Bromma, Sweden and in the 16 T and VKF-A altitude tunnels at AEDC, Tullahoma, Tenn.