Fast Optical Flow Meter

To address the Air Force need for a fast-response flow meter for onboard systems, Intellisense Systems, Inc. (Intellisense) proposes to develop a new Fast Optical Flow Meter (FOLOW) based on continuous-wave laser Doppler velocimetry combined with real-time volume flow rate estimation using flow-regime-specific flow velocity correction algorithms. Specifically, the innovation in using diode laser interferometry-based optical sensors in a novel geometric configuration will enable FOLOW to have a small form factor and accurately measure flow speed within the flow volume, independent of ambient and liquid conditions. As a result, this flow meter technology will nonintrusively measure flow speed of harsh liquids with millisecond temporal resolution, directly addressing the Air Force requirements. In Phase I, Intellisense will develop a proof-of-principle design concept that satisfies the Air Force requirements for the flow meter. Intellisense will also research the laser Doppler velocimetry methodologies and commercial off-the-shelf components to conceptualize a FOLOW prototype flowmeter. Intellisense will verify any potential high-risk technical elements through analysis or empirical demonstration using a proof-of-concept prototype and assess potential points of failure and uncertainty of the measurement. In Phase II, Intellisense will develop FOLOW to meet the space, power, and packaging requirements of the flight-ready Towed Airborne Plume Simulator system and demonstrate its performance in a relevant environment.