Pulse-Burst Laser for Highly-Resolved Flow Field Measurements in both Space and Time
Abstract
The University of Arizona (UArizona) is an internationally recognized leader in fluid dynamics research with expertise in shockwave boundary layer interaction, boundary layer transition, active flow control and turbulent mixing, among others. The Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering (AME) Department is particularly strong in experimental research and operates a collection of internationally unique wind tunnel and shock tube facilities across subsonic, transonic, supersonic, and hypersonic flow regimes. A critical requirement for experimental fluid dynamics is advanced instrumentation capable of resolving flow fields at the smallest spatial and temporal scales. This proposal targets acquisition of a state-of-the-art pulse burst laser to permit time-resolved measurements of various high-frequency flow properties up to 1 MHz. This laser will directly interface with existing high-speed cameras and related devices in AME immediately enabling advanced flow measurements for fundamental research and computational model development and validation. The proposed acquisition will allow UArizona to further its leadership in experimental fluid dynamics through research and, more importantly, education of a new generation of scientists and engineers with expertise in the laser diagnostics. The primary research goal is to extend measurements beyond discrete time-resolved surface sensors and low repetition rate laser diagnostics to highly-resolved flow field data in both space and time. This is critical for many highly evolving flows of high relevance to the DoD. More long-term efforts will focus on multidisciplinary collaborations within the College of Engineering, UArizona as a whole and minority serving institutions across the American Southwest. Education will be advanced using traditional B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, but also through alternative programs (e.g. Master of Engineering) that target students and working professionals who require basic knowledge in specialized fields like wind tunnel testing and/or laser diagnostics applied to a specific flow regime (e.g., hypersonic). An established program within the UArizona Office of Societal Impacts will be leveraged to support and train faculty in inclusive practices for both recruiting and mentoring of underrepresented minorities. Outreach efforts will leverage ongoing successful programs in the College of Engineering, College of Education and the University at large that target underrepresented groups in STEM. These programs engage undergraduates as well as high school students and teachers. This requested instrumentation will further our recruiting efforts by producing high impact visually compelling science that is critically relevant to the DoD. Collectively, these developments will make the UArizona an even more effective producer of exceptional talent from all backgrounds.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jun 25, 2021
- Source ID
- W911NF2110284
Entities
People
- Jesse C. Little
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of Arizona