A PASSIVE STRATEGY FOR IMPROVING AERO-OPTICS THROUGH A SUPERSONIC SHEAR LAYER
Abstract
When a planar wavefront passes through a gas with a varying density distribution, light rays are refracted resulting in wavefront aberration. Such can arise with the passage of a beam through a supersonic shear layer, where strong density fluctuations exist due to the Kelvin- Helmholtz instability. To study this phenomenon, we propose a basic, scientific study of the ability of an array of vortex generators to attenuate large-scale fluctuations within a supersonic shear layer and at supersonic speeds. Using a combination of stereoscopic particle image velocimetry and a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor, we will explore passive control of a supersonic shear layer using vortex generators. We hypothesize that an array of vortex generators, placed upstream of the separation point, can attenuate the strength of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability within the shear layer. The work will be performed within the Rutgers University, Mach 3.4, supersonic wind tunnel, where diagnostics will include Kulite pressure sensors, highspeed imaging, and stereoscopic particle image velocimetry. The products from this study will include a detailed three-dimensional velocimetry demonstrating the influence of the vortex generators on the flowfield.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 07, 2023
- Source ID
- FA95502210134
Entities
People
- Edward Demauro
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Rutgers University
- United States Air Force