Boundary Layer Transition Mapping at Supersonic Speeds Measured by Liquid Crystals

Abstract

An experimental program was conducted to evaluate the use of encapsulated liquid crystals as a means of mapping boundary layer transition patterns on delta wings. Since the method relies solely on surface temperature changes, one must be sure that boundary layer transition is in fact the cause for the change. Where temperature gradients caused by inviscid effects occur, there can be difficulty in isolating the true transition pattern from other effects. By varying unit Reynolds number, the temperature/color pattern associated with transition marches forward (or aft) while inviscid related patterns retrain fixed. In most cases this mechanism is sufficient to separate the effects.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1973
Accession Number
ADA377039

Entities

People

  • E. D. Mcelderry

Organizations

  • Flight Dynamics Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Human Systems
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Boundaries
  • Boundary Layer
  • Boundary Layer Transition
  • Climate Change
  • Crystals
  • Delta Wings
  • Layers
  • Liquid Crystals
  • Reynolds Number
  • Surface Temperature
  • Temperature Gradients
  • Test Facilities
  • Transitions
  • Two Dimensional
  • Wind Tunnels

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design
  • Thin Film Deposition Science.

Technology Areas

  • Hypersonics
  • Hypersonics - Hypersonic Boundary Layers