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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Evaluation of thermographic phosphor technology for aerodynamic model testing

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6318237· OSTI ID:6318237

The goal for this project was to perform technology evaluations applicable to the development of higher-precision, higher-temperature aerodynamic model testing at Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) in Tullahmoa, Tennessee. With the advent of new programs for design of aerospace craft that fly at higher speeds and altitudes, requirements for detailed understanding of high-temperature materials become very important. Model testing is a natural and critical part of the development of these new initiatives. The well-established thermographic phosphor techniques of the Applied Technology Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are highly desirable for diagnostic evaluation of materials and aerodynamic shapes as studied in model tests. Combining this state-of-the-art thermographic technique with modern, higher-temperature models will greatly improve the practicability of tests for the advanced aerospace vehicles and will provide higher precision diagnostic information for quantitative evaluation of these tests. The wavelength ratio method for measuring surface temperatures of aerodynamic models was demonstrated in measurements made for this project. In particular, it was shown that the appropriate phosphors could be selected for the temperature range up to {approximately}700 {degree}F or higher and emission line ratios of sufficient sensitivity to measure temperature with 1% precision or better. Further, it was demonstrated that two-dimensional image- processing methods, using standard hardware, can be successfully applied to surface thermography of aerodynamic models for AEDC applications.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA). Applied Technology Div.
Sponsoring Organization:
DOD
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-84OR21400
OSTI ID:
6318237
Report Number(s):
ORNL/ATD-40; ON: DE91005631
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English