Shuttle Orbiter boundary-layer transition - A comparison of flight and wind tunnel dataHypersonic boundary-layer transition data obtained on the windward centerline of the Shuttle Orbiter during entry for the first four flights are presented and analyzed. Because the Orbiter surface is composed of a large number of thermal protection tiles, the transition data include the effects of distributed roughness arising from tile misalignment and gaps. These data are used as a benchmark for assessing and improving the accuracy of boundary-layer transition predictions based on correlations of wind tunnel data taken on both aerodynamically rough and smooth Orbiter surfaces. By comparing these two data bases, the relative importance of tunnel free-stream noise and surface roughness on Orbiter boundary-layer transition correlation parameters can be assessed. This assessment indicates that accurate predictions of transition times can be made for the Orbiter at hypersonic flight conditions by using roughness dominated wind tunnel data. Specifically, times of transition onset and completion can be accurately predicted using a correlation based on critical and effective values of a roughness Reynolds number previously derived from wind tunnel data.
Document ID
19830035528
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Goodrich, W. D. (Texas Univ. Austin, TX, United States)
Derry, S. M. (NASA Johnson Space Center Houston, TX, United States)
Bertin, J. J. (Texas, University Austin, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1983
Subject Category
Aerodynamics
Report/Patent Number
AIAA PAPER 83-0485
Meeting Information
Meeting: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Aerospace Sciences Meeting