Development of a novel mass flow measurement device for high speed inlet testing

Conference item

A novel mass capture device for testing high speed inlets in short duration facilities has been developed. The device improves upon the accuracy and sensitivity of current methodologies by separating the mass flow measurement from the back-pressure inducing capability. It also has sufficient temporal response for reliable application to short duration test facilities. This paper describes the principles of the operation and the design process of the mass capture device. Calibration was performed using a steady flow bench top test using an orifice mass flow meter. The device’s suitability for use in transient hypersonic flow facilities was validated in the Oxford High Density Tunnel by connection to a simple Pitot inlet that achieves full mass capture.

Authors: Doherty, L; Hambidge, C; Ivison, W; Hyslop, A; McGilvray, M

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: European Space Agency
• Host title: Proceedings of the International Conference on Flight Vehicles, Aerothermodynamics and Re-entry Missions and Engineering (FAR 2019)
• Publication date: 2019-10-03
• Acceptance date: 2019-09-30
• Event title: International Conference on Flight Vehicles, Aerothermodynamics and Re-entry Missions and Engineering (FAR 2019)
• Event location: Monopoli, Italy
• Event start date: 2019-09-30
• Event end date: 2019-10-03
• Language: English
• Keywords: FFR