Model-based stagnation pressure control in a supersonic wind tunnel

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Abstract
The flow parameters control in wind tunnels is an area of intense research in recent years, with the aim of improving quality and efficiency of the wind tunnel operation. In this paper, an attempt is made to contribute to a better understanding of the stagnation pressure control in supersonic blowdown-type facilities. The stagnation pressure control strategy in the VTI Belgrade T-38 wind tunnel is discussed. An improved mathematical model for a supersonic wind tunnel is suggested and applied to the T-38 facility. Comparisons of simulation and experimental data are made to demonstrate accurate prediction of the facility response in supersonic flow conditions by the mathematical model. The model is used to incorporate a modified feedforward control in the original T-38 wind tunnel control system. The actual wind tunnel tests confirm model-predicted decrease of flow stabilization time and increase of available measurement time, bringing significant improvement in the wind tunnel operation efficiency.