Laminar-Turbulent Boundary Layer Transition Imaging Using IR Thermography

Brian K. Crawford, Glen T. Duncan Jr., David E. West, William S. Saric

Department of Aerospace Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA.
Department of Aerospace Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, USA.

DOI: 10.4236/opj.2013.33038                

Abstract

Experimental techniques for imaging laminar-turbulent transition of boundary layers using IR thermography are presented for both flight and wind tunnel test environments. A brief overview of other transition detection techniques is discussed as motivation. A direct comparison is made between IR thermography and naphthalene flow visualization. A technique for obtaining quantitative transition location is presented.

Keywords

IR Thermography; Laminar; Turbulent; Transition; Flight Test; Wind Tunnel; Fluid Flow

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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