The adaptive wall test section for the NASA Langley 0.3-m Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel

The effect of wind tunnel wall interference on transonic aerodynamic data obtained in a ventilated test section is difficult to predict. The magnitude of the interference can be reduced and the prediction of the level of interference can be simplified by testing in a test section with solid, adaptive walls. An adaptive wall test section configured for two dimensional testing has been installed in the circuit of the Langley 0.3-m Transonic Cryogenic Tunnel. The unique features of the tunnel and the new test section are described. An overview of computer software to configure the walls along streamsurfaces is presented along with a description of the of the experiments planned to assess the capabilities of the new test section.