SBIR-STTR Award

We propose to build a highly accurate data collection instrument that can be used to measure model attitude and model deformation (MAMD). The measurement system will be easily configured to accommodate a wide range wind tunnel sizes and model sizes. Current techniques for MAMD measurements have many limitations. The proposed approach is novel and unique, and has the ability to meet or exceed all of the AEDC's resolution and speed requirements. The system will have the capability of providing a measurement rate of greater than 200 Hz, and measuring the model roll pitch and yaw to a resolution of better than 0.01 degrees at a distance of 8 feet. Both the dynamic and steady surface deflections can be measured at a resolution up to 0.001 inches. The proposed system is both reliable and versatile, and can be constructed with proven, off-the-shelf technology leading to low cost. The proposed MAMD measurement system will be extremely valuable for flight test evaluation. It can be used to assess model loading and model vibration. It will also be a valuable tool in correlating the results from wind tunnel tests with the results from computational fluid dynamic models (CFD).

Benefits:
The proposed system will be a versatile tool for high-resolution, high-speed topography measurements of any surfaces for such applications as vibration measurement and stress measurement. It will have wide applications for aeronautics research and manufacturing processes.

We propose a highly accurate surface profile data collection device that can be used to measure the buildup of ice on aero-surfaces. The device will be able to remotely collect the required data in a very short time and can be used for measurements of both static or rotating surfaces. The proposed 3D topography system has a unique structure, and is inexpensive, reliable and versatile. For ice profile measurement, surface characteristics of less than one inch to tens of inches in depht and width can be obtained in short time with a very high resolution (0.005 inches) at a large stand-off measurement distance (10 meters). The measured surfaces can then be reproduced for flight evaluation using computation fluid dynamic models (CFD) or used to support wind tunnel tests. The measurements can also be used for laboratory studies of mass and heat transport at the surface of rotating equipment.