1×1 Supersonic Wind Tunnel

The 1×1 Supersonic Wind Tunnel (1×1) specializes in conducting fundamental research in supersonic and hypersonic fluid mechanics, supersonic-vehicle-focused research and detailed benchmark quality experiments for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code validation.

Facility Overview

The 1×1 is a facility located in the Engine Research Building at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. The tunnel can provide continuous operation at 10 discrete airspeeds from Mach 1.3 to 6.0 by using an appropriate fixed-area contoured nozzle block upstream of the test section.

A number of specialized support systems are available to meet the research customer’s needs such as auxiliary bleed, model hydraulics, and probe actuation systems. Machine shop equipment is also available to accommodate model build-up and changes. The 1×1 uses several different types of experimental research tools that are invaluable to fundamental studies.

The facility has qualitative and quantitative flow visualization capabilities such as Schlieren imaging system, particle image velocimetry (PIV), a sheet-laser system, blue Zyglo (Magnaflux) and black lights, two-component laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV), and trace gas detection.

The equipment in the 1×1 is complemented by staff experienced in supersonic test hardware and experimentation. With its capabilities, expert staff, and efficiency, the 1×1 offers the supersonic research community an excellent low-cost tool for fundamental small-scale research.

Quick Facts

The 1×1 is used to conduct fundamental research in supersonic and hypersonic fluid mechanics. It is also used for supersonic-vehicle-focused research and detailed benchmark quality experiments for CFD code validation.

Capabilities

Characteristics and Performance

• Mach number range: 1.3 to 6.0 (discrete number)
• Reynolds number: 0.4 – 16.5 × 10⁶/ft
• Total temperature: 520 – 1100°R
• Dynamic pressure: 80 to 1750 lbf/ft²
• Maximum pressure: 165 psia

Flow Visualization

• Schlieren
• Sheet-laser system
• Blue Zyglo and blacklight
• PIV

Support Systems

• Model hydraulics
• Model air injection
• Auxiliary bleed
• Probe actuation systems

Research Instrumentation and Data Systems

• Pressure Systems
  Netscanner is an electrically scanned pressure system that contains hundreds of pressure transducers. The system consists of numerous 16-port, rack-mounted ±15 psid modules, with 256 total channels available. Each module can be validated in place using highly accurate calibration pressures to maintain the overall system accuracy of ±0.05 percent of full scale range. These pressures are then digitized and recorded into our COBRA data system.  
• Data System – COBRA
  • COBRA is a steady-state data acquisition system that provides:
    • Real-time on-line acquisition of analog and digital signals
    • Conversion of raw data to engineering units
    • Real-time monitoring of raw and calculated values in alphanumeric and/or graphical formats
    • Limit checking on any raw or calculated value
    • 12.5Hz default scan rate
    • Various recording options from averaged to grouped (or cyclic)
    • Data is usually provided in csv but can be modified to a specific customer format
  • COBRA provides the following:
    • Accuracy for the analog to digital multiplexer that is ±0.05 percent of range
    • 256 total analog channels, ±10V
    • 256 Netscanner pressure channels
    • 36 temperatures from type E, 12 temperatures from type K
• Dynamic Data System
  The Dewetron data system provides multi-channel high speed digitized acquisition of rapidly changing cyclic or non-periodic impulse type events. The system consists of:
  • Real-time display and graphical capabilities
  • Off-loading the data via file transfer protocol (FTP), in near real-time, to either a NASA computer or off-site computer for post-processing.
  • 32, 24-bit analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) per channel
  • A maximum rate of 200,000 samples per second per channel.

Contact

1×1 Supersonic Wind Tunnel (1×1)
Facility Manager: Gwynn Severt
216-433-8310
Gwynn.A.Severt@nasa.gov

Test Facility Management Branch
Chief: Taylor Varouh
216-433-6347
Taylor.Varouh@nasa.gov

Using Our Facilities

NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland provides ground test facilities to industry, government, and academia. If you are considering testing in one of our facilities or would like further information about a specific facility or capability, please let us know. 

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