The use of free flight models for transonic testing at high Reynolds numbers is discussed. Several specific examples of experimental investigations are briefly reviewed to illustrate the scope of research that can be conducted by utilizing the advantages of free flight models. These advantages are primarily the lack of interference or constraints imposed by test facilities and model support systems and the dynamic freedom possessed by free flight models. High Reynolds numbers are obtained by using large models flown at relatively low altitudes. It is shown that models 10 meters or more in length will be required for research at Reynolds numbers sufficiently high to provide representative simulation of flow conditions for large modern aircraft. Several methods for launching models of this size are discussed. These methods include free drops from airplanes or balloons and ground launches with the use of internal or external rocket motors. All the launching methods discussed have been successfully demonstrated on flight vehicles of the size and weight required to attain the necessary test conditions.


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    Title :

    Transonic free-flight model testing at large scale


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    1971-08-01


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English


    Keywords :


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    Clifton, A.N. | Engineering Index Backfile | 1951