Flow Visualization Techniques for Flight Research

Fisher, David F. and Meyer, Robert R. (1988) Flow Visualization Techniques for Flight Research. Technical Report NASA TM-100455, Research Engineering, NASA Dryden Flight Research Center.

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Abstract

In-flight flow visualization techniques used at the Dryden Flight Research Facility of NASA Ames Research Center (Ames-Dryden) and its predecessor organizations are described. Results from flight tests which visualized surface flows using flow cones, tufts, oil flows, liquid crystals, sublimating chemicals, and emitted fluids have been obtained. Off-surface flow visualization of vortical flow has been obtained from natural condensation and two methods using smoke generator systems. Recent results from flight tests at NASA Langley Research Center using a propylene glycol smoker and an infrared imager are also included. Results from photo-chase aircraft, onboard and postflight photography are presented.

EPrint Type:	NASA Technical Memorandum
Keywords:	Boundary layer transition, Flight testing, Flow visualization, T-34C, Vortex flow
Subjects:	Aircraft/Project: Boeing 747 (01 - 09) Aeronautics: (02) Aerodynamics Aircraft/Project: F-18 Aircraft/Project: F-111 Aircraft/Project: F-104 Aircraft/Project: F-106 Aircraft/Project: F-18 HARV Aircraft/Project: X-29 Aircraft/Project: XB-70
ID Code:	489
Deposited On:	09 January 2006
Additional Information:	35 pages. Presented as paper number 20 at the 73rd AGARD Symposium of the Flight Mechanics Panel on Flight Test Techniques, October 17-20, 1988, Edwards Air Force Base, California.