Driver condition development for high-enthalpy operation of the X3 expansion tube

摘要: At the University of Queensland (UQ), there are two expansion tubes, X2 and the larger X3. In the past years, there have been many experimental campaigns investigating radiation in high-enthalpy flows in X2. X3 has not been used for similar experiments, although it is larger, it has been undergoing an extended period of upgrades and development, including a new lightweight piston and reservoir extension. This paper reports the progress made in developing high-enthalpy operation in X3 that will be used for future high-enthalpy experimental campaigns.