Engineering PapersSearch

Engineering topics

Grant, G. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Grant, G. R..

Dual wavelength scanning Doppler velocimeter

A laser Doppler velocimeter is described simultaneously measuring localized orthogonal velocity components in a fluid stream without perturbation of the flowfield. A first pair of beams of a first common wavelength and a second pair of beams of a second common wavelength are derived from a single laser source, directed along a single optical axis. The respective beams of each pair of beams are disposed parallel to the axis, symmetrically about the axis, and are positioned orthogonally about the axis relative to each other. The four beams are then focused upon a selected test volume within the flowfield. Light scattered at that point is collected by an appropriate optical system and focused onto photodetectors which develop electrical output signals commensurate with the orthogonal velocity components at the test point.

Rloff, K. L.

Two-color dual-beam backscatter laser Doppler velocimeter

A laser Doppler velocimeter has been developed that uses two of the colors emitted from an argon-ion laser for the simultaneous measurement of orthogonal velocities. Designed for use in a 2.13- by 3.05-m wind tunnel, it is capable of traversing its focal volume across spatially unstable flows at scan speeds of up to 1.5 m/sec. Its optical layout and principles of operation are discussed, and the data from a typical traversal of a trailing wing-tip vortex are presented.

Grant, G. R.

Laser Doppler velocimeter investigation of trailing vortices behind a semi-span swept wing in a landing configuration

Measured axial and tangential velocity profiles in the near wake vortices of a semi-span model of the Convair 990 wing in the NASA-Ames 7- by 10-foot wind tunnel are presented. A scanning laser Doppler velocimeter was used to obtain data at two different downstream stations (0.49 and 1.25 wing spans) at various angles of attack and configurations from wing alone to wing plus nacelles, anti-shock bodies, and flaps deflected 27 deg (landing configuration). It is shown that the velocity distributions within the wake are quite sensitive to span loading. Specifically, it is illustrated that an aircraft flying at given lift coefficient (C SUB L), can substantially reduce its trailing vortex upset potential by deploying its flaps and altering its flight attitude to maintain the same C SUB L. This might be taken into consideration along with performance and noise considerations in the selection of aircraft approach lift over drag.

Ciffone, D. L.

Laser velocimeter for simultaneous two-dimensional velocity measurements

Laser velocimeter provides simultaneous orthogonal measurements in manner which minimizes many problems attending prior systems, and allows spatial traversing of flowfield in order to obtain velocity profiles. Velocimeter permits rapid interrogation of unsteady flows where area of interest is of the order of one meter in extent and flow does not vary appreciably over time of about one second.

Orloff, K. L.

A two color, dual beam backscattering laser Doppler velocimeter

A laser Doppler velocimeter has been developed which uses two of the colors emitted from an argon ion laser for the simultaneous measurement of orthogonal velocities. Designed for use in a 2.13 m by 3.05 m wind tunnel, it is capable of traversing its focal volume across spatially unstable flows at scan speeds of up to 1.15 m/sec. Its optical layout and principles of operation are discussed and the data from a typical traversal of a trailing wing tip vortex are presented.

Grant, G. R.

The application of laser Doppler velocimetry to trailing vortex definition and alleviation

A laser Doppler velocimeter whose focal volume can be rapidly traversed through a flowfield has been used to overcome the problem introduced by excursions of the central vortex filament within a wind tunnel test section. The basic concepts of operation of the instrument are reviewed and data are presented which accurately define the trailing vortex from a square-tipped rectangular wing. Measured axial and tangential velocity distributions are given, both with and without a vortex dissipator panel installed at the wing tip. From the experimental data, circulation and vorticity distributions are obtained and the effect of turbulence injection into the vortex structure is discussed.

Orloff, K. L.

Optical enhancement of photomultiplier sensitivity

Transmission and reflection light losses are reduced by introducing light into end-window of device at an angle large enough to normal so total internal reflection occurs at both photocathode-vacuum and window-air interfaces.

Grant, G. R.