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8'x6' Supersonic Wind Tunnel
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Quick Facts
Characteristics
Acquisition
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Facility Fact

Flow-visualization capabilities in both test sections include Schlieren, colored and UV oil flow, laser vapor screen, and fluorescent minitufts. Optical-based techniques for measuring pressure, temperature and model deformation are also available.



Lockheed model installed in the 8x6 C-1991-2039: NASP nozzle mounted in the 8x6
Facility Characteristics
The 8x6 SWT provides customers with a facility capable of testing large scale aeropropulsion hardware.
  • In a continuous airstream at Mach numbers from 0 to 0.1 and 0.25 to 2.0
  • At varying Reynolds Numbers from 3.6 to 4.8x106/ft and altitude conditions (1,000 to 35,000 ft), depending on Mach number
  • In either aerodynamic (closed) or propulsion (open) cycle without exhaust scoops
  • Employing high accuracy data systems to support steady and transient data acquisition
  • Supported by a variety of systems including Schlieren, sheet lasers, GH2 fuel, high-pressure air, and hydraulics
  • 1-in. diameter perforations allow for either 3.1 or 6.2 percent porosity variation for test section boundary layer control

Characteristics and Performance

  • Test section size: 8-ft high by 6-ft wide by 23.5-ft long
  • Mach number range: 0 to 0.1 and 0.25 to 2.0
  • Relative altitude: 1,000 to 35,000 ft
  • Reynolds Number: 3.6 to 4.8x106/ft
  • Stagnation Pressure: 15.3 to 25 psia
  • Temperature: 520 to 720°R
  • Dynamic Pressure: 200 to 1,340 psf

Tunnel Support Systems

  • Combustion Air: 40, 150 and 450-psig
  • Service Air: 125 psig
  • Combustion Air Heater: 15 pps at up to 750 °F
  • Exhaust: 16-in. line at 20 and 26 in of Hg
  • High-Pressure Air Storage: 951,000 scf at 2600 psig
  • GH2 Fuel System: 1.0 pps at 2200 psig from
    70000 scf trailers
  • Model Cooling

Model Support Systems

  • Ceiling Strut Assembly: angle of attack range between
    -5.0 and 15.0°
  • Transonic Sting Strut Assembly: Floor mounted with angle of attack range between 0 and 15.0°
  • Supersonic Strut: Floor mounted with an angle of attack range between -5 and 20°; axial movement (manual)
  • Wall Mount: Typical of halfspan models
  • Jet Exit Rig: Ceiling mounted strut with hot gas capabilities for nozzle research
 
Further Information
NASA's ATP Program
Read about one of the largest, most versatile and comprehensive set of testing facilities in the nation.
+ View the fact sheet (PDF)
8'x6' Supersonic Wind Tunnel (8x6)
+ View the fact sheet (PDF)
GRC Research Facilities
Find out more about the research facilities at NASA's Glenn Research Center
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"The right facility at the right time" - NASA Aeronautics Test Program




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NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NASA Official: Tony Springer
Last Updated: October 17, 2011
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