Investigation of the feasibility of utilizing a laser velocimetry system for air-jet flow analysis in the University of Tennessee Space Institute's Aero-acoustics Laboratory

The purpose of this investigation was to experimentally determine the feasibility of employing a laser velocimetry system for air-jet flow analysis in the University of Tennessee Space Institute's Aero-Acoustics Laboratory. First to be resolved was whether a usable laser velocimetry system could be configured from locally available hardware. Next to be determined was the suitability of the laboratory air supply for laser velocimetry utilization. Specifically, does the air supply inherently contain a sufficient concentration of suitable optical scattering centers with good flow following aerodynamic characteristics? Finally, if a laser velocimetry system could be configured and the laboratory air supply proved suitable for its employment, would a laser velocimetry system actually enhance the laboratory's air—jet flow analysis capability enough to indicate that a more sophisticated system should be procured?

A laser velocimetry system was developed and used for air-jet flow analysis. The lab air supply proved to be suitable and the laser velocimetry system did enhance the air flow analysis capability of the lab.

Data were taken to determine the data acquisition time rate versus laser power at a given flow condition. Data were also taken at several air-jet velocities to determine the flow following characteristics of the optical scattering centers. In addition, data were taken to profile the velocity across a slot nozzle.