A Novel Windows GUI for Connected-Pipe Ramjet and Ducted Rocket Testing

We will develop a fully capable Windows environment for connected-pipe ramjet and ducted rocket testing with interactive flow system configuration, CEC calculations, on-hand test articles, sophisticated plotting and tabular presentation, and export of text, tables, diagrams,'. and plots. Phase I work includes NASA CET code modifications and integration into the Windows environment. Different facility "views" allow flow system configuration with block diagrams, schematics, or exact physical layouts. Integration of Chemical Equilibrium Code (CEC) calculations allows automated update of simultaneous windows (e.g. containing plots and tables) after recalculations and identification of optima (e.g. minimum pressure losses with multiple nozzle and inlet area sizes). Update of on-hand test articles allows multi-facility use. Sophisticated 2D and, SD plotting requires minimal operator input. Plots can be customized. SD plots include many advanced features not found in Excel (e.g. contour plots, multiple surfaces). All data can be exported seamlessly to other applications. A 400MHz dual 80686 processor based computer and the complete development and execution environments are deliverables. The Co-investigator has performed data reduction at the MICOM Ducted Rocket Test Facility for over 2 years. The PI has developed Windows based software for numerous DoD and commercial clients. The Phase I effort will produce a working, completed Windows environment to maximize the material available for Ducted Rocket Testing and save hundreds of pre and post test man hours. This system can be utilized by educational institutions and commercial advanced air breathing development and testing companies.