Effect of Reynolds number on the aerodynamic stability and control characteristics of a 55 deg clipped-delta-wing orbiter configuration at supersonic Mach numbers

Abstract

A wind-tunnel investigation has been conducted at Mach numbers from 1.60 to 4.63 for Reynolds numbers varying from approximately 0.8 million to 10.0 million (based on body length) to determine the Reynolds number effects on the static longitudinal and lateral aerodynamic stability and control characteristics of two scale models of the Grumman H-33 space shuttle orbiter. The results indicate that for the Reynolds number range investigated, there are no Reynolds number effects on the longitudinal or lateral aerodynamic characteristics of either model with zero control deflections and only negligible effects with control deflections. The roll control is constant for both models with the possible exception of a slight increase with increases in Reynolds number up to 2.0 million at the lower Mach numbers. This very small Reynolds number effect is much more apparent for the smaller model and disappears with increasing Mach and Reynolds numbers