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Abstract
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The goal of this paper is to design a supersonic wind tunnel (SWT) using method of characteristics. This
SWT will be the indraft or draw-down type, with the necessary pressure ratio provided by an existing
vacuum chamber. The design constraints included interfacing with existing flanges on the vacuum
chamber, the ability to sustain a supersonic flow for at least two minutes, optical access for the test section
of the tunnel, and maintaining costs within the allocated budget. The mechanical design of the tunnel was
completed using solid modeling software and the supersonic nozzle was designed using the method of
characteristics. This report details the process of determining critical dimensions (throat area and expansion
ratio), estimating the attainable test duration, and design of a supersonic nozzle to minimize shocks in the
test section
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