Fiber optic-based laser vapor screen flow visualization systems for aerodynamic research in larger-scale subsonic and transonic wind tunnelsThe design, installation, and application of the NASA laser vapor screen (LVS) flow visualization systems developed by 10-foot high speed tunnel and 8-foot transonic pressure tunnel are discussed. Sufficient quantity of water is injected into the wind tunnel diffuser section to increase the relative humidity and promote condensation of the water vapor in the flow field about the model. Vortex-dominated flows are illuminated with an intense sheet of laser light. Fiber optics are used to deliver the laser beam through the plenum shell that surrounds the test section of each facility and to the light sheet-generating optics positioned in the ceiling window of the test section. Operational experience indicates that fiber optic-based systems are safe, reliable, and capable of proving high-quality off-surface flow visualization in larger scale subsonic and transonic wind tunnels.
Document ID
19930036301
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Erickson, Gary E. (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Inenaga, Andrew S. (Aerometrics, Inc. Sunnyvale, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1992
Subject Category
Instrumentation And Photography
Meeting Information
Meeting: International Flow Visualization Symposium