Development of an Optical Diagnostic Instrument. Part 2. Instrument Development

摘要

An optical diagnostic instrument is being developed for fluid physics research in the microgravity environment of a space laboratory. The instrument offers a whole field observation system with a Schlieren overlay combined with a local narrow field observation capability, the stake system. The latter allows for operation of a variety of optical instruments, of which two types were evaluated in a test setup: an equal path interferometer and a Moire deflectometer. Development of the narrow field stake system with its accommodation capability of easily exchangeable optical diagnostics is described. The whole field Schlieren system and stake system performance was tested. A preliminary design is given for a flight instrument suited for accommodation in a space laboratory.