LIMITATIONS ON THE ACCURACY OF SONIC THERMOMETERS.
Abstract
The factors that limit the accuracy attainable with acoustic measurements of atmospheric tem peratures have been investigated. The factors considered are: (1) variable water vapor content of the air; (2) motion of the air; (3) inaccu racies in measuring the acoustic path length; (4) inaccuracies in measuring the transit time; (5) turbulence; and (6) nonideal behavior of the gas. Quantitative estimates have been obtained of the importance of each of these factors under various conditions. On the basis of the results of this study, the best accuracy attainable with acous tic measurements of atmospheric temperatures is found to be about 0.5 K. Sonic thermometers using continuous- wave techniques for measuring the transit time, coupled with instrumentation appropriate for providing compensation for any of the above factors causing major errors, will be required. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0412479
Entities
People
- Paul L. Smith
Organizations
- MRIGlobal