Turbulent measurements in supersonic boundary layer flows using laser velocimetry

Laser velocimetry has been applied successfully in the measurement of mean velocities and Reynolds stresses in a zero pressure gradient, Mach 2.9 boundary layer, and upstream and downstream of a two-dimensional, shock-wave boundary layer interaction for the same Mach number. The Reynolds stresses were obtained using a one-component, dual-scatter laser velocimeter operated in a manner analogous to the 'slanted hot-wire' technique. Signal processing was of the single-particle counting type which permitted measurements to be made using only the naturally occurring particles in the tunnel air stream for light scattering. The results for the shock-wave boundary layer interaction are presented along with hot-wire anemometer and pitot-static pressure measurements obtained in the same flow. Also, a data acquisition scheme for use with a two-component laser velocimeter is presented which should provide even better accuracies in future studies.