Naval Platform Aero-Optic Turbulence and Mitigation Methodology

Phase I of the STTR program will be a collaborative research effort between high fidelity computational simulations and experimental testing. The primary aim of this initiative will be to measure laser beam distortion, using aero-optic metrics, due to flowfield turbulence. The results from the computational simulations and experimental test will be compared to ensure agreement between the two. Initial measurements of the beam distortion will be conducted for a turbulent flow over a flat plate containing an aperture through with the laser beam is emitted. Following this, a more realistic turret geometry with a conformal aperture will be used for the remainder of the Phase I simulations and tests. The turret permits a larger field of view for the beam emission and the distortion of the beam with changes in the emission angle will be measured. In the option period of Phase I, a flow control methodology, using boundary layer suction upstream of the laser emission aperture, will be implemented in order to reduce the beam distortion. The effectiveness of this flow control technique will be examined using computational simulations and experimental testing in order to calculate and compare the relevant aero-optic metrics.