Hypersonic 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.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Shuttle Orbiter boundary-layer transition - A comparison of flight and wind tunnel data


    Contributors:

    Conference:

    American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Aerospace Sciences Meeting ; 1983 ; Reno, NV


    Publication date :

    1983-01-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English


    Keywords :



    Shuttle orbiter boundary layer transition at flight and wind tunnel conditions

    Goodrich, W. D. / Derry, S. M. / Bertin, J. J. | NTRS | 1983


    Review of boundary layer transition flight data on the Space Shuttle Orbiter

    Bouslog, S. A. / An, M. Y. / Hartmann, L. N. et al. | NTRS | 1991


    Wind Tunnel Measurements of Shuttle Orbiter Global Heating With Comparison to Flight

    Berry, Scott / Merski, Norman / Blanchard, Robert | AIAA | 2002