Projeto preliminar de um tubo de Ludwieg como um aparato experimental para um laboratório de escoamentos compressíveis na UFSM

Abstract

Pulsed wind tunnels are tools used to reproduce the necessary conditions to perform research and development which depend of high Mach number flows. The replication of these flow conditions is crucial for the validation process of new aerospace technologies and the understanding of complex flow phenomena. A Ludwieg tube is an experimental apparatus used to replicate supersonic and hypersonic flight conditions, capable of generating a wide range of flows varying the Mach number, Reynolds number and enthalpy, making it one of the most versatile testing facilities for applications of this nature. The main objective of this work is the preliminary design of a Ludwieg tube planned to be installed at Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) as a research and development tool for compressible flow analysis. Therefore, the understanding of each of the Ludwieg tube components and its theoretical aspects regarding the high-speed flows generated during operation is necessary. The basic theory of quasi-one-dimensional isentropic flow was used to describe the high-speed flows generated in the test section and to obtain the operating conditions which influence the mechanical project. A systems engineering approach was implemented into the project methodology in order to characterize the requirements that guide the development of the system of interest throughout the initial life-cycle stages. The mechanical design of the driver section - high pressure and temperature section, was carried out following ASME design standards. The preliminary design of the driver section, test section and dump tank are presented. Operational pulsed installations around the world with similar characteristics are used as a reference for the development and comparison of theoretical operational capabilities. In the end of the work, the preliminary project of the UFSM Ludwieg tube was conceived.