Three-dimensional density measurement around a Hayabusa re-entry capsule model in the ballistic range

Abstract Three-dimensional density measurement around a Hayabusa re-entry capsule model using the background-oriented schlieren (BOS) technique is carried out in the ballistic range at the Institute of Fluid Science, Tohoku University. A Hayabusa re-entry capsule model with a diameter of 15 mm is used for a projectile, and the Mach number was 1.20. A method of model Position and Pose detection from BOS images was proposed for a capsule model, and unsteady flow field measurement around a free-flight test model was conducted. From the results, we succeeded in measuring the three-dimensional density distribution around a capsule model and visualizing the detailed structure in the wake region.