Short Duration Propulsion Test and Evaluation (Hy-V) Program

The Short Duration Propulsion Test and Evaluation (SDPTE) Program and the Hy-V Program have recently been combined with the aim of examining the influence of ground test facilities on scramjet performance. The combined program includes both research and educational activities that are being conducted by a consortium of university, industry and government participants. The objectives of the combined program are to; 1) Resolve ground testing issues related to the effects of test medium on dual-mode scramjet engine performance, 2) Resolve ground testing issues related to the duration of the test flow on dual-mode scramjet engine performance, and 3) Educate and motivate a new generation of aerospace engineers through student participation and research. This paper provides an overview and status of the combined program but focuses on objectives 1) and 2). The ground testing issues associated with these objectives are being examined using a range of facilities. These include a continuous-flow direct connect facility, a freejet blowdown facility and an impulse facility. By testing in a range of facilities, the effects of combustion generated test medium vitiates and test flow duration on the operation of two dual-mode scramjet flowpaths will be examined. The experiments will focus on flowpath operation at conditions equivalent to a flight Mach number of 5. However, some Mach 7 freejet testing will also take place. The program will conclude with a Mach 5 flight experiment of both scramjet flowpaths aboard a sounding rocket such that differences between ground and flight performance data can also be isolated.