Snapshot Imaging Laser Displacement Sensor for Hypervelocity Diagnostic Testing

ABSTRACT: The Air Force is interested in hypersonic (M>5) systems that enable time-critical missions for strike and Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR). Perhaps more so than for any other flight regime, precise and accurate sensing of key phenomena is difficult without contaminating the data being collected. Control Vision, Inc has developed unique optical profilometry technology which, tailored for this particular application, can provide high resolution three dimensional imaging which will monitor in-situ the displacement of systems underdoing hypersonic aerothermal testing. The optical profilometry is based on already proved out laser sensor projection technology, which will enable high resolution measurement of structural deformation (<25m) and process-induced vibration measurements. The team at CVI is experienced in developing sensors that can overcome the extreme optical, electrical and vibrational noise that typically encumber these test environments, and at the end of Phase I will provide a demonstration of a working prototype of the final system to be delivered.; BENEFIT: Improved understanding of complex test environment, reduced labor cost for assessment, multiple sensor in one console (deformation and vibration). Potential commercial applications include high luminosity manufacturing and industrial test environment like arc-jet environment, additive manufacturing.