Unsteady density and velocity measurements in the 6 foot x 6 foot wind tunnel

The methods used and the results obtained in four aero-optic tests are summarized. It is concluded that the rather large values of density fluctuation appear to be the result of much higher Mach number than freestream and the violent turbulence in the flow as it separates from the turret. A representative comparison of fairing on-fairing off rms density fluctuation indicates essentially no effect at M = 0.62 and a small effect at M = 0.95. These data indicate that some slight improvement in optical quality can be expected with the addition of a fairing, although at M = 0.62 its effect would be nil. Fairings are very useful in controlling pressure loads on turrets, but will not have first order effects on optical quality. Scale sizes increase dramatically with increasing azimuth angle for a reprensentative condition. Since both scale sizes and fluctuation levels increase (total turbulence path length also increases) with azimuth angle, substantial optical degradation might be expected. For shorter wave lengths, large degradations occur.