Aerothermodynamic analyses and redesign of GHIBLI Plasma Wind Tunnel hypersonic diffuser

Pasquale Walter Agostinelli*, Eduardo Trifoni, Raffaele Savino

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This article deals with the aerothermodynamic analyses of the hypersonic diffuser of GHIBLI Plasma Wind Tunnel at CIRA (Centro Italiano Ricerche Aerospaziali). This diffuser presented an unexpected behavior not ensuring nozzle under-expanded flow in test chamber, even in several free jet conditions. This experimental evidence was investigated following two approaches. First, a literature review pointed out that the design rules, generally recommended in supersonic diffusers design, were not observed in the case of GHIBLI diffuser. Second, a simplified numerical model was introduced and validated with experimental results, performing Computational Fluid Dynamics analyses of GHIBLI diffuser. Finally, in order to enhance the pressure recovery and to obtain the desired under-expanded conditions, two new candidate designs compliant with the literature recommended values have been proposed and analyzed via CFD.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)218-229
Number of pages12
JournalAerospace Science and Technology
Volume87
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2019
Externally publishedYes

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