Implementing pressure-sensitive paint in the AFRL subsonicaerodynamic research laboratory

摘要

Research and development conducted to enable pressure-sensitivepaint (PSP) measurements to be made in the Air Force Research Laboratory(AFRL) subsonic aerodynamic research laboratory (SARL) is described. Inaddition to the fundamental challenges of making PSP measurements in lowspeed flows, the unique characteristics of the SARL, and how theyfurther challenge the technique, are presented. The design andperformance specifications of ultrastable illumination sources, based onarrays of blue light emitting diodes, are given. The characteristics ofsol-gel-based PSPs, which offer a number of advantages for low speedmeasurements, are provided. A highly adaptable system for rigidlymounting and easily positioning and aiming the lamps and camera isdescribed. A process whereby as many as four regions of interest, in thecamera field of view, are displayed real-time for monitoring modelthermal stability and facility ambient light contamination is shown.Other operational aspects of deploying PSP in SARL are also described