TsAGI improves test procedure in transonic wind tunnel
29 May 2017
The scientists of the Central AeroHydrodynamic Institute named after professor N.E. Zhukovsky (TsAGI, part of the National Research Center “Institute named after N.E. Zhukovsky”) improved the procedure of comprehensive experimental research in a transonic wind tunnel. The work was to create test procedures for models with the help of a supporting device — strip suspension. The studies were performed on the test model of a standard modern passenger aircraft.
In standard tests the model in a tunnel is placed on a tail holder, which deforms tail flow of the model, or on strip suspension. Said loads differ from characteristics in free flight. To eliminate these differences a significant volume of additional tests and calculations are needed.
For the first time in the history of the Institute TsAGI scientists used standard model-integrated six-piece strain-gauge balances to measure aerodynamic loads on a model placed on a strip suspension. Simultaneously, the loads were measured with the help of belt scales.
In the future Institute specialists plan to perform calculations based on the impact of strip suspension and low borders on the aerodynamic characteristics of a model.
The development of this procedure allows performing tests without the deformation of the rear body. This, in turn, will increase the accuracy of test data and shorten testing time.