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Title: Analysis of the photodiode boundary layer transition indicator

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10124071· OSTI ID:10124071

The photodiode transition indicator is a device which has been successfully used to determine the onset of boundary layer transition on numerous hypersonic flight vehicles. The exact source of the electromagnetic radiation detected by the photodiode at transition was not understood. In some cases early saturation of the device occurred, and the device failed to detect transition. Analyses have been performed to determine the source of the radiation producing the photodiode signal. The results of these analyses indicate that the most likely source of the radiation is blackbody emission from the heatshield material bordering the quartz window of the device. Good agreement between flight data and calculations based on this radiation source has been obtained. Analyses also indicate that the most probable source of the radiation causing early saturation is blackbody radiation from carbon particles which break away from the nosetip during the ablation process.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
10124071
Report Number(s):
SAND-93-1274C; AIAA-94-0454; CONF-940152-2; ON: DE94005311; BR: GB0103012; TRN: AHC29405%%80
Resource Relation:
Conference: 32. aerospace sciences meeting and exhibit,Reno, NV (United States),11-14 Jan 1994; Other Information: PBD: [1994]
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English