AE 342

Aerodynamics II
Laboratory Sheet 2
Model Performance and Shock Pattern Analysis
30o Semi Angled Cone Body in Supersonic Flow

1. Introduction
The purpose of this experiment is to analyze the performance of a 30o semi-angle cone
by determining the pressure coefficient (Cp) at different Mach numbers and to observe the
shock patterns on the geometry studied.

2. Setup
The supersonic wind tunnel GA-10 is a blowdown facility, where stored high pressure dry
air is discharged through a variable cross-section test chamber to yield supersonic flow with
different Mach numbers. Shock waves can be observed on different models having blunt or
sharp leading edges.
Test chamber nozzle performance is measured by nine static pressure ports. Model
pressure and test chamber pressure are measured through two static ports. The pressure
readings are displayed on the control panel of the wind tunnel.
The test section is illuminated during the runs and the shock pattern can be observed
through a mirror setup whose display is on the left hand side of the control panel.

3. Experimental procedure

a. Startup
i. Adjust the mirror and light system so that the model can be observed as clearly
as possible on the screen.
ii. By using the handle next to the test chamber adjust the Mach number value to
the desired value.
iii. Turn the compressor knob to position A in order to let the compressor fill the
tanks with air. Observe the pressure and temperature gauges on the control
panel so that these parameters do not exceed the limits.
iv. When the pressure level in the tanks has reached the sufficient level for the
experiments to be conducted (≈7-8 bar), turn the compressor knob to off
position. As the pressure will drop quickly, start the experiment immediately.
b. Experiment
i. By carefully opening the large yellow handle on the left hand side of the control
panel achieve the start pressure value corresponding to the desired Mach
number. Then, try to keep the pressure at the run pressure value indicated in the
table below by carefully adjusting the same handle.
ii. As soon as the pressure has been stabilized press the remote pressure lock
button to freeze the pressure readings and read the model and wall pressure
values from the gauges on the control panel.
iii. At the same time observe and draw the shock patterns seen on the screen.
iv. Repeat the same procedure for different Mach numbers

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c. Calculations
i. Using the below below formula and the pressure readings of the experiment,
calculate the pressure coefficient (Cp) values:
p − pw
Cp = m
γ
pwM2
2
Pm : model pressure (bar),
Pw : wall pressure (bar)
M : Mach number.

ii. Make a table showing the measured pressure values Pm and Pw and calculated Cp for

each M. Plot Cp as a function of the Mach number.

iii. Draw the shock pattern for each Mach number that the experiment is performed,

from the movie or pictures taken during the experiment. Measure the shock angle

from the photographs taken during the experiment, and calculate the Mach number

behind the shocks.

iv. Write a comprehensive comment on the differences.

Mach number Start pressure Run pressure, P01

1.5 1.5 1.4
1.6 1.5 1.4
1.8 1.7 1.5
2.0 2.0 1.8
2.3 2.8 2.5
2.5 3.6 3.3
3.0 6.3 5.7

Table 1. Start and run pressure values for some Mach numbers.

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Figure1. Sample view of shock patterns on 30°cone.