Boundary-layer investigations on a model of the ELAC 1 configuration at high Reynolds numbers in the DNW

Results of boundary-layer investigations on the leeward side of a 1: 12 sca le model of the ELAC 1 configuration of a space transportation system are p resented. The configuration has the shape of a thick delta wing with a roun ded leading edge. The model length is 6 m; the experiments were carried out in the 8 x 6 m(2) low-speed German-Dutch-Windtunnel at Reynolds numbers up to Re = 40 . 10(6). In a first series of experiments mean velocity profile s were determined in the turbulent boundary layer on the leeward side of th e model, with a single hot-wire probe in the plane of symmetry at four posi tions. Comparison calculations with a numerical solution of the boundary-la yer equations showed good agreement up to angles of attack alpha = 10 degre es. In a second series of tests the laminar-turbulent transition of the how and its separation near the rounded leading edge were investigated at thre e positions with multi-sensor hot-film arrays with 40, 56, and 96 elements. These measurements demonstrated that the how near the rounded leading edge is markedly influenced by the nose radius. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.