Interference of a Free-flying Ring with a Stationary Cylinder
This research aims to improve the understanding of the dispersion process of fragments undergoing mutual interactions. The aerodynamics of a free-flying ring was studied by Grossir et al. in “Aerodynamic characterization of space debris in the VKI Longshot hypersonic tunnel using a free‑flight measurement technique”. In a current measurement campaign these experiments are supplemented by investigations where the same ring geometry interacts with a proximal cylinder. The ring model is initially suspended with thin wires upstream to a transversally mounted cylinder. Upon the arrival of the flow, the support wires rupture, allowing the ring to fly freely and cross the two-dimensional shock generated by the stationary cylinder. The ring’s external diameter is 60mm and it is 15mm high which corresponds to a h/D ratio of 0.25. The model is made of aluminum and its wall thickness is 2mm. The diameter of the cylinder is equal to the external diameter of the ring. Experiments are being performed at various initial ring positions (with respect to the location of the cylinder) and angles of attack. The expected output of the present campaign are aerodynamic coefficients (drag, lift, and pitching moment) and schlieren videos.
The test case definition and further details are available at this link.
The deadline for the submission of the results is on 30th August 2022 16th September 2022.
Enjoy and thank for your participation!!
