Ground facility interference effects on slender vehicle unsteady aerodynamics

A critical examination of recent dynamic test results obtained at high angles of attack reveals that various kinds of ground facility interference effects can distort the measurements. Particular problems are posed by both asymmetric and symmetric support structures. It is also found that the fuselage-like structures commonly used to attach a sting or strut to the model can cause unacceptable distortion of the high-alpha steady and unsteady aerodynamic characteristics.