Development of a Corona Anemometer for Measurement of Stratospheric Turbulence.
Abstract
The length of time pollution remains in the stratosphere depends upon the intensity of stratospheric turbulence. Measurement of stratospheric turbulence has been limited due to the lack of a suitable instrument. A new instrument has been developed to meet this need. The corona anemometer sensor development is described from the physical principles of operation through the electronic circuitry, laboratory and in-flight calibrations to the first test flight. The corona anemometer measures the stratospheric wind and turbulence by detecting the amount of displacement the corona ion beam suffers in transversing a one inch gap exposed to the horizontal wind. The instrument response is linear and has a frequency response from 0 to 2000 Hz, sufficient to measure atmospheric turbulence directly. The use of this instrument in the measurement of stratospheric turbulence will significantly enhance the knowledge of stratosphere properties and improve the accuracy of environmental assessments. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 21, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA058960
Entities
People
- G. Harpell
- J. H. Brown
- R. E. Good
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory