Non-Persistent Tracers for Particle Image Velocimetry in High-Mach Number Wind Tunnels

Particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) is crucial to high-speed aerodynamic development and testing. Measurement of the flow field around an object enables accurate capture of dynamic flow phenomena for validation of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations in wind tunnels. Nanohmics, Inc., teaming with the University of Texas (UT) Flowfield Imaging Laboratory, has developed the first-ever engineered non-persistent tracer particles (NPTP) for PIV. Nanohmics proposes to expand the range of volatilities, explore dispersion enhancers, and validate the resultant particles in hypersonic wind tunnels under a variety of conditions. The NPTPs will be made in sizes that are tuned for a particular experiment and may be used in experiments beyond PIV, such as fluorescence based measurements. The non-persistent nature of the particles will allow for the possibility of conducting PIV experiments in facilities that prohibit tracer particles from being employed, providing a direct path to increased measurement utility in wind tunnel facilities and a rapid route to commercialization.