Wind tunnel testing and research

The topics covered include the following: a test of a Space Shuttle model with various base enhancements intended to help reduce the drag of the Shuttle in the landing configuration; further tests conducted using a Shuttle model to explore base drag improvement techniques; testing of parafoils having different airfoil shapes and line lengths; a study of ground effects on a Shuttle model; and three dimensional velocity profiles in the wake aft of the Space Shuttle were determined to study the effects of wake velocities on the Orbiter drag chute

Experimental verification of a new laminar airfoil: A project for the graduate program in aeronautics

Two reports on student activities to determine the properties of a new laminar airfoil which were delivered at a conference on soaring technology are presented. The papers discuss a wind tunnel investigation and analysis of the SM701 airfoil and verification of the SM701 airfoil aerodynamic charcteristics utilizing theoretical techniques. The papers are based on a combination of analytical design, hands-on model fabrication, wind tunnel calibration and testing, data acquisition and analysis, and comparison of test results and theory