Application of pressure-sensitive paint for determination of the pressure field and calculation of the forces and moments of models in a wind tunnel

• Published in: Experiments in fluids 2005-08, Vol.39 (2), p.475-483
• Main Authors: KLEIN, Christian, ENGLER, Rolf H, HENNE, Ulrich, SACHS, Werner E
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aerodynamics; Air transportation and traffic; Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; Fluid dynamics; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Ground, air and sea transportation, marine construction; Image processing; Instrumentation for fluid dynamics; Mathematical models; Physics; Pressure-sensitive paints; Surface pressure; Three dimensional models; Viewing; Wind tunnels
• ISSN: 0723-4864; 1432-1114
• DOI: 10.1007/s00348-005-1010-8

The visualization and measurements of aerodynamic effects on a 3D aircraft model were conducted using an optical pressure measurement system, based on the pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) technique. PSP technology provides a good understanding of the flow around the wind tunnel model. The PSP technique can be used to carry out absolute pressure measurements on a surface of the model and to determine additional aerodynamic data using scientific-grade cameras and image processing techniques. Surface pressures from the top, bottom, left, and right viewing directions were obtained using the DLR-PSP system on the entire surface, which can be observed by eight CCD cameras. Finally, the measured pressures can be integrated to calculate the forces and moments of the complete model, or parts thereof.