Experimental investigation of transition on a 7-degree cone at Mach 5

Cones provide a useful geometry for many investigations into boundary layer transition. In order to conduct advanced studies investigating variables such as bluntness or angle of attack, a baseline case must be studied. An inquiry into the sharp, 7 degree cone at no angle of attack has been conducted at the University of Arizona using the Mach 5 Ludwieg Tube (LT5). This project used UArizona’s LT5 to investigate the primary cause of transition using schlieren, pressure transducers, and IR thermography for a sharp cone at zero angle of attack. Using schlieren as a primary diagnostic, the first mode instability was deemed to be the cause of transition.