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A Qualitative Review of Selected Infrared Flow Visualization Processing Techniques: Contrast Enhancement and Frequency Domain AnalysisThe deployment and integration of high-sensitivity infrared cameras in a transonic wind tunnel test environment has resulted in a unique capability to image aerodynamic phenomena in real-time. Multi-camera infrared flow visualization data systems are now routinely utilized at the NASA Ames Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel. The small flow-induced temperature gradients on the surface of the wind tunnel test article coupled with the high bit-depth of the infrared camera sensor makes the processing of the image data critically important. An image processing routine must enhance features of interest with minimal artifacts. Additionally, the production wind tunnel test environment demands that these processed images are made available in a real-time, automatic fashion. Therefore, any image processing routine must be computationally economical and enhance the image data with minimal input from a human operator. The following seeks to qualitatively explore selected image processing techniques by assessing their effectiveness to resolve flow features on a wind tunnel test article. A multi-scale contrast enhancement technique is introduced as well as a new implementation of a multi-scale, non-interpolated adaptive histogram equalization. Finally, a novel method is introduced that demonstrates the ability to resolve flow features imaged on bare-steel test articles possessing low emissivity. This method merges frequency domain analysis with contrast enhancement and has the potential to extend the application of infrared flow-visualization within the wind tunnel test environment.
Document ID
20190002271
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Garbeff, Theodore J.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
April 11, 2019
Publication Date
January 7, 2019
Subject Category
Avionics And Aircraft Instrumentation
Optics
Report/Patent Number
ARC-E-DAA-TN57363
Meeting Information
Meeting: AIAA Scitech Forum 2019
Location: San Diego, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: January 7, 2019
End Date: January 11, 2019
Sponsors: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
Keywords
Infrared Imaging
Test Techniques
Flow Visualization
Image Processing
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