A new facility and technique for two-dimensional aerodynamic testing

The design and operational characteristics of a new test leg for the High Reynolds Number Facility at Ames Research Center are presented, and the unique features of a test section for obtaining two-dimensional airfoil data are reviewed. The new facility operates at unit Reynolds numbers ranging from 1,000,000/ft to 30,000,000/ft. Boundary-layer suction panels are used in the test section (16 in. wide by 24 in. high) to minimize side-wall interference effects. Flexible, easily adjustable upper and lower walls allow test-channel area-ruling so as to nullify Mach-number changes induced by mass removal, to correct for longitudinal boundary-layer growth, and to provide contouring compatible with the streamlines of the model in free air.