Supersonic wind tunnel

A supersonic wind tunnel is a wind tunnel that produces supersonic speeds (1.2<M<5)The Mach number and flow are determined by the nozzle geometry. The Reynolds number is varied by changing the density level (pressure in the settling chamber). Therefore, a high pressure ratio is required (for a supersonic regime at M=4, this ratio is of the order of 10). Apart from that, condensation of moisture or even gas liquefaction can occur if the static temperature becomes cold enough. This means that a supersonic wind tunnel usually needs a drying or a pre-heating facility.A supersonic wind tunnel has a large power demand, so most are designed for intermittent instead of continuous operation. A supersonic wind tunnel is a wind tunnel that produces supersonic speeds (1.2<M<5)The Mach number and flow are determined by the nozzle geometry. The Reynolds number is varied by changing the density level (pressure in the settling chamber). Therefore, a high pressure ratio is required (for a supersonic regime at M=4, this ratio is of the order of 10). Apart from that, condensation of moisture or even gas liquefaction can occur if the static temperature becomes cold enough. This means that a supersonic wind tunnel usually needs a drying or a pre-heating facility.A supersonic wind tunnel has a large power demand, so most are designed for intermittent instead of continuous operation. Optimistic estimate:Pressure ratio ≤ {displaystyle leq } the total pressure ratio over normal shock at M in test section: P t P a m b ≤ ( P t 1 P t 2 ) M 1 = M m {displaystyle {frac {P_{t}}{P_{amb}}}leq left({frac {P_{t_{1}}}{P_{t_{2}}}} ight)_{M_{1}=M_{m}}}