Vibration Measurement Methodology to Correct Aero-Optics Measurements

ABSTRACT: MetroLaser proposes a test and evaluation methodology to optimize the information return of aero-optic wind tunnel tests, which are corrupted by mechanical vibration. The aero-optic and vibration effects are added and to separate them it would be necessary to accurately measure the effect of vibration on the overall signal. The proposed technology includes measuring the vibration of individual components that affect the optical wavefront and arriving at a methodology to mitigate the effect of tunnel vibration and accurately retrieve the aero-optic measurements. The Phase I work would consist of analytical work to define the methodology requirements, developing a measurement breadboard, conducting experiments to demonstrate the feasibility of the technique, and developing software to collect and analyze the data. BENEFIT: The proposed system and measurement methodology would find application in two general markets: 1) as indicated in the solicitation in military and commercial wind tunnels that have the need for accurate optical measurements in the presence of tunnel vibration, and 2) optical measurements without a vibration isolation table. The first market, which is the technical drive of the current solicitation, has a market potential of several systems considering both domestic and international wind tunnels. The second market can be substantially larger since it could, in principle, include industrial measurements where a vibration isolation table is not practical.