An evaluation of three experimental processes for two-dimensional transonic tests

The aerodynamic measurements in conventional wind tunnels usually suffer from the interference effects of the sting supporting the model and the test section walls. These effects are particularly severe in the transonic regime. Sting interference effects can be overcome through the Magnetic Suspension technique. Wall effects can be alleviated by: testing airfoils in conventional, ventilated tunnels at relatively small model to tunnel size ratios; treatment of the tunnel wall boundary layers; or by utilization of the Adaptive Wall Test Section (AWTS) concept. The operating capabilities and results from two of the foremost two-dimensional, transonic, AWTS facilities in existence are assessed. These facilities are the NASA 0.3-Meter Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel and the ONERA T-2 facility located in Toulouse, France. In addition, the results derived from the well known conventional facility, the NAE 5 ft x 5 ft Canadian wind tunnel will be assessed. CAST10/D0A2 Airfoil results will be used in all of the evaluations.