Two dimensional numerical simulation of the Marseille university free piston shock tunnel-TCM2

A numerical analysis of the hypersonic free piston shock tunnel under construction in Marseille is presented. Since the few wind tunnels of this type actually operational (Australia) suffer performance losses when compared to expected data given by analytical theory (Stalker 1967), an axisymmetric numerical simulation is performed by a finite volume method which allows to emphasize the unsteady phenomena which restrict the expected performances. Taking into account these effects, it is possible to obtain simulations of the complete wind tunnel with initial conditions allowing to realize high enthalpy flows characteristic of the reentry phase of the HERMES European Shuttle.