Particle Image Velocimetry: Development of a Promising Tool for In-Flight Flow Field Measurements

Abstract

The applicability of the Particle Image Velocimetry Method (PIV) as a tool for in-flight flow field measurements has been demonstrated in a feasibility study. In this regard, the main advantages of the PIV technique are its non-intrusive nature as well as the capability of providing information with high spatial resolution of a flow field. External probes or intrusive sensors can only enable to obtain discrete single point values of the desired parameters, whereas PIV allows the affordable determination of valuable instantaneous velocity vector field data during flight tests. Nevertheless, a number of significant challenges for the application of in-flight PIV to future flight tests still remain open which are related to the aircraft operation and certification. Hence, ideas for further developments and improvements of this inflight measurement technique will be presented and discussed at the seminar.