Near-Field Velocity Measurement System for Wind Tunnel Testing

Applied University Research, Inc. (AUR) proposes a high resolution instrument to meet the Air Force transonic wind-tunnel testing needs for near-field flow velocity measurements at the Arnold Engineering Development Center. The foundation technology for this instrument, a three-velocity-component sub-miniature fiber-optic laser-Doppler velocimeter (LDV), has been developed for low speeds by the consultant to this proposed project, Dr. Roger L. Simpson, through research involving the proposing P.I. and his colleagues. The current proposed work is to prove the feasibility of extending the low speed instrument to high speed applications—a non-trivial extension, as a review of the literature reveals. The proposing P.I. has a background in developing novel laser flow instrumentation including years of experience with all facets of LDV systems: thorough knowledge of theoretical LDV operation, LDV uncertainty analysis, and advanced signal processing; discrete/fiber optical system integration; data acquisition systems and software development; and extensive practical experience in reducing novel LDV systems to practice. AUR is in an excellent position to successfully extend the sub-miniature LDV technologies to high speed flow and develop these technologies to fill a market void in high resolution three-velocity-component flow measurements.