Data acquisition system for PW-6U in flight boundary layer mapping
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to describe an idea for an integration process and tests of flight parameters measurement system, which supports infrared thermography (IRT) boundary layer mapping.
Design/methodology/approach
The study of flow changes in the boundary layer with the use of IRT requires registration of the thermal images of the selected area of a wing or the fuselage, as well as synchronous recording of flight parameters. These tasks were realized by the supplementary measurement system mounted on the PW-6U glider. Two examples of the determination of the laminar-turbulent transition areas on the left wing of a PW-6U glider are also presented in the paper.
Findings
Optical methods can be used in several research areas, for example, aerodynamics and strength analysis. For instance, the measurement of the infrared radiation from surfaces with the use of IRT can be used for the measurement, with high accuracy, of surface temperature distribution. Moreover, the thermography is used for the analysis of the boundary layer. Performed in-flight experiments confirm the possibility of practical usage of the IRT method even on the board of a glider.
Practical implications
The use of optical methods will, in many cases, be less expensive than assembly of an additional measurement and data acquisition systems. Implementation of optical methods for industrial purposes has many advantages, and, hence, they will probably become very common in the future.
Originality/value
The study introduces advanced measurement and visualization techniques in general aviation.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The performed and presented study was part of the AIM2 project funded by the European Commission within the seventh framework program (contract no. ACP0-GA-2010-266107).
Citation
Rzucidlo, P., Kopecki, G.H., deGroot, K., Kucaba-Pietal, A., Smusz, R., Szewczyk, M. and Szumski, M. (2016), "Data acquisition system for PW-6U in flight boundary layer mapping", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 88 No. 4, pp. 572-579. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-12-2014-0215
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited