Experimental Hypersonic Flow Researc in Europe

Abstract

An overview is given regarding experimental activities in the field of hypersonic flow. After a brief introduction into the history of hypersonic ground based facilities modern high-enthalpy wind tunnels are described including their capabilities and flow diagnostic techniques. After the HERMES technology program came to an end in Europe, an ESA technology program, called Manned-Space-Transportation Program(MSTP)has been initiated among several institutions in Europe to preserve the knowledge in hypersonics. Besides of the ESA activities 3 Sonderforschungsbereiche(centers of excellence)exist at German universities. These centers are related to hypersonic flow research;they are supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemein-schaft DFG.