Advanced Aerodynamic Measurement Technology

The demands for higher performance for modern aircraft have led the wind tunnel community, which is an integral link in the design process, to develop more refined and cost effective measuring techniques. These technologies have gradually matured from laboratory novelties into instruments regularly used in aerodynamic testing. The development of these modern measurement techniques has greatly extended the capability and accuracy of the classical methods for measurement techniques and provided better insight into flow physics. This Symposium provided a forum for active researchers to address the state-of-the-art, to exchange experiences and ideas, and for the practitioners to obtain an overview of the technology and learn how to appy it.

This book provides an overview of advanced prediction and verification technologies for aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics and assesses a number of critical issues in advanced hypersonic vehicle design. Focusing on state-of-the-art theories and promising technologies for engineering applications, it also presents a range of representative practical test cases. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable asset for researchers who are interested in thermodynamics, aircraft design, wind tunnel testing, fluid dynamics and aerothermodynamics research methods, introducing them to inspiring new research topics.

Luminescent molecule sensors, called pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) and temperature-sensitive paint (TSP), measure factors essential for understanding the aerodynamic performance and heat transfer characteristics of flight vehicles. They provide a powerful tool for experimental aerodynamicists to obtain a deeper understanding of the rich physical phenomena in complex flows around a flight vehicle. This book helps the reader to understand the physics and chemistry and the capabilities of PSP and TSP. It provides an overview of the wide scope of applications and explains the system requirements for using these sensors. The book also includes an extensive table of properties of PTP and TSP. As such, it is a thorough and up-to-date coverage of the underlying physics and applications of luminescent molecules designed for global pressure and temperature mapping

In the tradition of its predecessors, this volume comprises a selection of the best papers presented at the Ninth International Symposium on Applications of Laser Techniques to Fluid Mechanics, held in Lisbon in July 2000. The papers reflect the state-of-the-art in laser applications of laser techniques in fluid mechanics describing novel ideas for instrumentation, instrumentation developments, results of measurements of wall-bounded flows, free flows and flames and flow and combustion in engines. The papers demonstrate the continuing interest in the development of an understanding of new methodologies and implementation in terms of new instrumentation.

Aerodynamic measurements presents a comprehensive review of the theoretical bases on which experimental techniques used in aerodynamics are based. Limitations of each method in terms of accuracy, response time and complexity are addressed. This book serves as a guide to choosing the most pertinent technique for each type of flow field including: 1D, 2D, 3D, steady or unsteady, subsonic, supersonic or hypersonic. No book currently presents as many techniques as are presented in this volume. They are usually available in only a short course or in proprietary booklets Offers a critical review of the various methods of aerodynamic measurement and helps guide the reader to choose the most appropriate in each case Describes the evolution of specific techniques from old-fashioned mechanical processes to modern computerized versions aiding students and practitioners to understand results of their findings

Prepared at the request of NASA, Aeronautical Technologies for the Twenty-First Century presents steps to help prevent the erosion of U.S. dominance in the global aeronautics market. The book recommends the immediate expansion of research on advanced aircraft that travel at subsonic speeds and research on designs that will meet expected future demands for supersonic and short-haul aircraft, including helicopters, commuter aircraft, "tiltrotor," and other advanced vehicle designs. These recommendations are intended to address the needs of improved aircraft performance, greater capacity to handle passengers and cargo, lower cost and increased convenience of air travel, greater aircraft and air traffic management system safety, and reduced environmental impacts.