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Optical and physical requirements for fluid particles marking trailing vortices from aircraftA theoretical study of the optical and physical requirements of marking trailing vortices that emanate from aircraft wings was carried out by considering particulate light-scattering properties, ability of particles to follow trailing vortices, and survival time of particles to vortex dissipation. Liquid droplets undergoing evaporation and molecular dispersion were investigated. Droplets should have lifetimes of about 300 sec. Droplet size should be about 1 micron to maximize light scattering with the minimum mass of liquid required. Droplets of this small size would spiral outward very slowly and essentially remain in the vortex cores. Nontoxic hygroscopic liquids, having an affinity for moisture in the air, have been identified. These liquids have relatively low vapor pressures of order 10 to the -5 mm Hg that would insure droplet persistence long enough to mark trailing vortices.
Document ID
19760054304
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Back, L. H.
(California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1976
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Aircraft
Volume: 13
Subject Category
Aerodynamics
Accession Number
76A37270
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS7-150
CONTRACT_GRANT: JPL-953964
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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