A supersonic wind tunnel is a wind tunnel that produces supersonic speeds (1.2<M<5) The Mach number and flow are determined by the nozzle geometry. The Reynolds number is varied changing the density level (pressure in the settling chamber). Therefore a high pressure ratio is required (for a supersonic regime at M=4, this ratio is of the order of 10). Apart from that, condensation or liquefaction can occur. This means that a supersonic wind tunnel needs a drying or a pre-heating facility. A supersonic wind tunnel has a large power demand leading to only intermittent operation.
A supersonic wind tunnel is a wind tunnel that produces supersonic speeds (1.2<M<5) The Mach number and flow are determined by the nozzle geometry. The Reynolds number is varied changing the density level (pressure in the settling chamber). Therefore a high pressure ratio is required (for a supersonic regime at M=4, this ratio is of the order of 10). Apart from that, condensation or liquefaction can occur. This means that a supersonic wind tunnel needs a drying or a pre-heating facility. A supersonic wind tunnel has a large power demand leading to only intermittent operation.