Abstract:
A newly developed test technique in arc-heated wind tunnel was introduced. It is important to know the performance of ablation and wave transmission of antenna window, since it may cause interruptions to communications during hypersonic vehicle reentry. To conduct ablation and wave transmission coupled test in arc-heated wind tunnel is the best qualified method for the study of wave transmission through antenna window on the ground. The interference of copper ions on test results was suppressed by improving the structure of the arc heater, using a semi-elliptical nozzle to enhance energy efficiency, and changing the way of intake; the reflection of microwaves within the test section was solved by designing directional antenna and laying microwave absorbing material on the key parts; the transmitting and receiving antennas were placed inside the test section to ensure the antennas having the same frequency vibration to solve the antenna jitter signal fluctuations caused by wind tunnel start-up; the antenna thermal protection for the antenna window experiencing a long time aerodynamic heating was performed by water-cooled cabinet designed. The experimental results show that the technique is effective, mature and feasible. This technique is successfully used to evaluate the microwave performance for the ablation of the antenna window test in the arc-heated wind tunnel.