An Automatic Wake-Traverse System for Flow-Field Measurements in Large Low-Speed Wind Tunnels

摘要

The development of a computer-controlled system for making extensive measurements of flow fields is described. The nature and operation of the principal hardware components, a Cartesian traverse system, a velocity vector measurement system, and the interfaces to allow control of these devices by a computer, are outlined. The associated software for control and data handling is briefly described. The significance of corrections to be applied to the measured flow properties is discussed and, on the basis of some preliminary experimental results, an assessment is made of the typical accuracy of measurement that may be obtained with the system. The system has a capability of making 100 measurements of flow vectors per hour, with a minimum of operator intervention, and thus provides a powerful new tool for the experimental aerodynamicist. (Author)