Accession Number:

ADA455599

Title:

A Supersonic/Hypersonic Aerodynamic Investigation of the Saturn IB/Apollo Upper Stage

Descriptive Note:

Contract rept.

Corporate Author:

NORTHROP SPACE LABS HUNTSVILLE AL

Personal Author(s):

• Carlson, David R.
• Walters, William P.

Report Date:

1966-01-01

Pagination or Media Count:

70.0

Abstract:

The static stability and axial force characteristics of an upper stage Saturn IBApollo model were investigated in a series of wind tunnel tests at Mach numbers between 1.93 and 8.05. This report presents and analyzes the results of these small scale studies. Test procedures and models are described, and consideration of boundary layer characteristics and violated modeling rules yields an assessment of the validity of the data Four basic models provided evaluation of the basic launch vehicle characteristics, as well as the effects of two modes of mission abort and jettison of the launch escape system. The launch configuration experienced sudden, strong changes in stability derivatives and axial force coefficients near Mach 5. No similar changes were observed on the other configurations. Effects of Reynolds number, Mach number, and boundary layer trips were obtained for each shape. The faired curves are believed to be valid for full-scale flight of the Saturn IBApollo upper stage .

Descriptors:

• *WIND TUNNEL TESTS
• *MACH NUMBER
• *STATIC STABILITY
• BOUNDARY LAYER
• HYPERSONIC FLIGHT
• LAUNCH VEHICLES
• HYPERSONIC FLOW
• AERODYNAMICS
• REYNOLDS NUMBER
• SUPERSONIC FLOW
• MISSIONS

Subject Categories:

• Mechanics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE