Ultrasonic Vortex Detection System

"Nielsen Engineering and Research (NEAR) is proposing to develop, fabricate, and demonstrate a prototype ultrasonic vortex detection system. The proposed instrument uses the time-of-flight of an acoustic signal as it traverses around the inside of thebellmouth to compute the strength of any vorticity contained within the acoustic path. This system uses flush-mounted transducers which are nonintrusive to the flow, present no FOD danger to the engine being tested, and can be easily retrofitted toexisting facilities. The simple, robust algorithm employed allows single and multiple vortices to be detected, quantified, and located in real time with no user intervention. The simplicity of the proposed approach presents the opportunity to usecommercial-off-the-shelf transducers and electronics to reduce system cost and improve reliability. During the Phase I contract, NEAR will optimize the vortex detection system for use in engine testing facilities, fabricate a prototype, and demonstrateits capabilities through wind tunnel testing. While NEAR's ultrasonic vortex detection system is being developed for use in engine test facilities, this is not a huge commercial market. NEAR will therefore work with its Commercialization Partner todevelop the system so that it can be readily adapted for use in industry and academia. Possible applications include highly accurate flowmeters for the custody transfer of natural gas, and flow diagnostic i