EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF A FREE-VORTEX AERODYNAMIC WINDOW

Abstract
A model of a supersonic free-vortex aerodynamic window has been fabricated and tested. Aerodynamic performance studies show the effectiveness of the model in sealing the simulated laser cavity from higher pressure ambient surroundings. Good starting characteristics and stability of the supersonic window jet are obtained. Static pressure measurements and photographs of the flow fields clearly show the enhanced mixing in the outer boundary of the curved jet and reduced mixing in the inner boundary due to the influence of centrifugal force. The diffuser design which compensates for the growth of the jet resulting from the mixing on each side is discussed and close agreement of the measured cavity pressure with its design value is achieved.