Non-Invasive Model Attitude and Deformation Measurement

PhaseSpace's objective is to track the position and attitude of wind tunnel models, along with the wing vibrations and deformations, with minimal modifications to the model. Using a modified PhaseSpace tracking system, and newly developed software, PhaseSpace demonstrated in Phase I that it is possible to track reflective stickers applied to a model from 2 to 3 meter distances with resolutions down to 100 microns at 240 hertz. In Phase II, PhaseSpace plans to show that this approach is viable in the wind tunnel environment, along with software-driven improved contrast enhancement to filter out “noise” (extraneous reflected light). As a stretch goal, PhaseSpace will attempt to increase the speed and the effective resolution to within 25 microns at camera frame rates of 480 hertz- 1000 hertz, which will result in an effective sampling rate of 120 hertz to 250 hertz. PhaseSpace will develop custom software to run on an MS Windows ® based platform to output the rigid body positions and attitudes along with wing deformations.