Surface Deformation Measurements Using Light Modulation Imaging

ABSTRACT: Hypersonic vehicles will require structures that can withstand highly transient flows and complex loadings throughout the flight trajectory. Shock boundary-layer interaction can excite panels locally and lead to structural failures. Non-contacting measurement technologies are needed to characterize the effect of flow transients (due to pressure and temperature fluctuations) on the structural integrity of the aircraft panels and the structural response to shock boundary-layer interactions. Southwest Sciences will develop a non-contact instrument capable of measuring surface topology with a field of view and resolution suitable for ground and in-flight inspections and meeting the specified requirements in the Solicitation. This is a collaborative work between Southwest Sciences and the University of Florida. The goal of this STTR project is to develop an imaging sensor for 3D surface deformation measurements below aerodynamic surfaces in hypersonic flow conditions for both ground and flight test systems. The Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of using light modulation technique to measure surface deformations of aerodynamic surfaces in hypersonic flow conditions. ; BENEFIT: This project will be of great interest to the Federal Government, especially the Air Force and NASA; providing an important diagnostic and control instrument for advanced combustion systems and hypersonic ground test facilities. In collaboration with military aircraft engine and instrumentation manufacturers, this high-speed surface deflection 3D imaging sensor would be developed into a commercial product combining modest cost with high performance for ground-based diagnostics in hypersonic wind tunnels and in-flight hypersonic vehicles. The broad market for this 3D imaging sensor includes the engine manufacturers for aircraft and ground-based applications, manufacturers of combustors and burners for industrial applications, research facilities in the academia, industry and government. If this technology finds use for service inspections, the market will increase significantly. We also anticipate that this inspection technology will find use in the automotive and other machinery manufacturing industries. In addition, optical imaging and inspection methods are finding growing use in the food industry and, of course, medicine.