Comparison of measured and computed boundary layers at the tail-end of two axisymmetric bodies in the ARE quiet wind tunnel

Velocity profiles measured at the tail end of two axisymmetric bodies are compared with velocity profiles produced by a potential flow and first order boundary layer computer model. The computer program can produce excellent agreement with measured data if the boundary layer transition position can be optimized in the computation. The program is valuable in determining the model and duct configuration most suitable for simulating a particular full scale situation. Preliminary testing of models may be necessary to establish the actual boundary layer transition position, and to change it using a boundary layer trip device, or to optimize the position selected for the computation.