Determining compressor-inlet airflow in the compact multimission aircraft propulsion simulators in wind-tunnel applications

Test techniques are being developed to use the Compact Multimission Aircraft Propulsion Simulator (CMAPS) in wind-tunnel tests. The CMAPS allows simultaneous simulation of inlet and exhaust flow fields. Static tests have been conducted to acquire CMAPS performance data and to evaluate four methods of determining compressor inlet airflow during wind-tunnel tests. The first method measures airflow at the compressor face; the second measures airflow in the compressor discharge duct; the third deduces the compressor airflow from the calibrated nozzle, turbine supply, and turbine bleed airflows; and the fourth correlates compressor airflow with the mixer pressure. Test results and the advantages, disadvantages, and expected accuracy of each method are discussed.