Thin Film Electret Boundary Layer Transition Detector (A Feasibility Study)
Abstract
A research task was conducted to determine the feasibility of developing an economical non-intrusive boundary layer transition detector. The new detector would be a thin (0.001 to 0.003 inch) plastic film with a large imbedded array of miniature fluctuating pressure transducers. Bonded to the aerodynamic surface of interest, the detector would yield a detailed map of fluctuating surface pressure. Turbulent bursts in the transitional region result in a characteristic peak in local surface pressure fluctuation. Transition would be located by resolving this peak. During this task, prototype transition detectors were fabricated. Thin film electret pressure transducer elements were used to perform proof of concept testing in the University of Missouri-Rolla subsonic wind tunnel. The result of this wind tunnel test verifies the feasibility of developing thin film arrays of fluctuating pressure transducers, and of using these arrays to determine the location of boundary layer transition. Additional work is being planned to develop the technology necessary to allow rapid economical production of fluctuating pressure transducer arrays of almost any desired pattern and density.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA185675
Entities
People
- Roger C. Crites