Schlieren Imaging of a Hypersonic Wave Rider Model in a Hypersonic Arcjet Tunnel

In this work, Schlieren imaging will be used to track and identify the formation of shocks on a scaled-down model of the X-51 aircraft. A low enthalpy flow of pure nitrogen (N2) is used for initial testing on 3D printed models at varying angles of attack. Imaging is acquired at 44,000 fps using a high-speed camera and shows a clear attachment of an oblique shock on the nose of the vehicle. Over each test, as back pressure increases the interaction between shocks and expansion fans also increases. The inlet, at higher angles of attack, produces a stronger bow shock formation which remains consistent during the 500 ms test duration. The clear and sustained formation of different shock layers demonstrates the accuracy of Schlieren imaging as a hypersonic flow visualization technique for scramjet test vehicles.