Verification of a ground-based method for simulating high-altitude, supersonic flight conditions

Abstract

Ground-based methods for accurately representing high-altitude, high-speed flight conditions have been an important research topic in the aerospace field. Based on an analysis of the requirements for high-altitude supersonic flight tests, a ground-based test bed was designed combining Laval nozzle, which is often found in wind tunnels, with a rocket sled system. Sled tests were used to verify the performance of the test bed. The test results indicated that the test bed produced a uniform-flow field with a static pressure and density equivalent to atmospheric conditions at an altitude of 13–15[Formula: see text]km and at a flow velocity of approximately M 2.4. This test method has the advantages of accuracy, fewer experimental limitations, and reusability.