Space shuttle abort separation pressure investigation. Volume 1, Part A: Booster data at Mach 5

Abstract

Pressure data obtained from a joint Langley Research Center (LaRC)/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Space Shuttle about stage separation wind tunnel test are presented. The .00556 scale models of the McDonnell-Douglas orbiter and booster configurations were tested in proximity in Tunnel A of the Von Karman Facility (VKF), Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC). Mach numbers were 5.0, 3.0, and 2.0 and nominal Reynolds numbers were 1.09, 1.60, and 1.74 million per foot, respectively. Pressure data were obtained for the booster upper surface and orbiter lower surface at angles of attack of -10 deg, -5, 0, 5, and 10 deg for zero degrees sideslip. The models were tested at incidence angles of 0 and 5 deg for several separation distances and power conditions. Plug nozzles utilizing air were used to simulate booster and orbiter plumes at various altitudes along a nominal ascent trajectory. Powered conditions were 100, 50, and 0 percent of full power for the orbiter and 100, 50 and 0 percent of full power for the booster. Data were also obtained with the booster canard off in close proximity