Abstract

It is important to visualize the boundary layer over hypersonic models for understanding the flow field phenomena around them. However, it has been very difficult to visualize such boundary layers. Because, the hypersonic flow obtained in laboratory is, in general, very high speed, low density, and short duration. However, a method for visualizing boundary layer over hypersonic vehicles under such experimental conditions has been developed by using the electrical discharge method. The principle of the method and visualized results are demonstrated in this report.