Propulsion facilities in TN
6 facilities
12V Space Chamber
Arnold AFB, TN
Aerodynamic and Propulsion Test Unit
Arnold AFB, TN
The Aerodynamic and Propulsion Test Unit (APTU) is a blowdown facility designed for true temperature aerodynamic, propulsion, and material/structures testing. A vitiated air heater (VAH) provides the required temperature. Liquid oxygen is added in an oxygen mole fraction exists in the test medium. The facility is completely computer-controlled during a run, and very rapidly transitions in pressure and temperature (altitude changes) that can be accomplished at a fixed Mach number. The remote location of the facility plus the straight line ejector exhaust configuration, allows for unique test capabilities. For example, test article hardware separation, i.e. releasable model shrouds, is allowed. Certain types of ammunition/explosive (live-fire testing can be done. The facility is also sited for 10,000 pounds of Class 1.3 explosives.
Aeropropulsion Systems Test Facility (ASTF)
Arnold AFB, TN
Information processing capability-ASTF C-cells Data Acquisition and Processing System (CDAPS) with its 12 minicomputers plus a high-speed CRAY-XMP/14SE super computer can acquire and process test information from more than a thousand sensors embedded in the facility and propulsion system and deliver the results in near real time to engineers directing the test.
ASTF Icing Capabilities
Arnold AFB, TN
Under existing FAA and JAA certification regulations, an airplane must demonstrate the ability to operate safely in a wide range of icing conditions. Engine icing occurs as aircraft fly through clouds of supercooled liquid water droplets. The water droplets impact the forward facing surfaces of the aircraft and the engine and, when the heat of fusion of the liquid water is removed from the surface, the small water droplets freeze. Ice adhering to airfoil surfaces will distort the airflow and lead to altered performance of the airfoil. In turbine engines and inlets, ice collection can eventually, sometimes in a matter of a few minutes, alter or block enough airflow to cause engine operability problems.
ENGINE TEST FACILITY (ETF)
Arnold AFB, TN
Propulsion systems are the key to developing reliable future flight vehicles. The most critical pacing element for aircraft, missiles and spacecraft is the flight vehicle's propulsion system. Testing of rocket propulsion systems provides information such as the burning characteristics of propellants, the precise amount of thrust delivered, durability of the engine and compatibility of the components and associated controls. Simulated flight tests of rocket propelled missiles or space systems can provide information which can reduce the number of costly launches and test flights and reduce the time required in development of a system. Flight failures cost millions of dollars and cause major schedule delays because typically they come very late in the development cycle.
The von Karman Gas Dynamics Facility Wind Tunnels
Arnold AFB, TN