Fiber optic tufts for flow separation detection
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorsTodd G. Wetzel, Edward R. Furlong
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Flow separation detectors and, more particularly feedback sensor arrangements consisting of optical fiber tufts adapted to provide for the measurement of surface aerodynamic flow phenomena through the effects birefringence or transmitted light, and especially with regard to aerodynamic flow separation which is encountered over a surface. Also facilitated is the detection of aerodynamic flow separation with a concurrent detection of encountered mechanical strain and stresses on the surface structure being monitored.
Claims42
An arrangement for the detection of aerodynamic flow separation of a fluidic flow passing over a surface by measurement of the effects of birefringence of optical fibers;
- said arrangement comprising:
- (a) a plurality of spaced optical fibers communicating with said surface, said optical fibers each having a flexible portion of length normally extending from said surface;
- said flexible optical fiber portion being displaceable responsive to aerodynamic fluid flows indicative of flow separation and strain in said surface;
- (b) means for measuring differentials in light conducted into an end of said optical fibers distal from said flexible portion and said light exiting from said end responsive to the light reflected at the flexible portion and at the surface, whereby changes in the birefringence of light rays within said optical fibers imparts data indicative of respectively the absence or the presence of flow separation or strain on said surface.
An arrangement for the detection of aerodynamic flow separation of a fluidic flow passing over a surface by measurement of the effects of transmission of light emitted from optical fibers;
- said arrangement comprising:
- (a) a plurality of spaced optical fibers communicating with said surface, said optical fibers each having a flexible portion of length normally extending from said surface;
- said flexible optical fiber portion being displaceable responsive to aerodynamic fluid flows indicative of flow separation and strain in said surface;
- (b) means for measuring differentials in the intensity of light emitted by said optical fibers from said flexible portion, whereby changes in the intensity of light emitted from said optical fibers imparts data indicative of respectively the absence or the presence of flow separation or strain on said surface.
A method for the detection of aerodynamic flow separation of a fluidic flow passing over a surface by measurement of the effects of birefringence of optical fibers;
- said method comprising:
- (a) a plurality of spaced optical fibers communicating with said surface, said optical fibers each having a flexible portion of length normally extending from said surface, said flexible optical fiber portion being displaceable responsive to aerodynamic fluid flows indicative of flow separation and strain on said surface;
- (b) measuring differentials in light conducted into an end of said optical fibers distal from said flexible portion and said light exiting from said end responsive to the light reflected at the flexible portion and at the surface, whereby changes in the birefringence of light rays within said optical fibers imparts data indicative of respectively the absence or the presence of flow separation or strain on said surface.
A method for the detection of aerodynamic flow separation of a fluidic flow passing over a surface by measurement of the effects of transmission of light emitted from optical fibers;
- said method of comprising:
- (a) a plurality of spaced optical fibers communicating with said surface, said optical fibers each having a flexible portion of length normally extending from said surface, said flexible optical fiber portion being displaceable responsive to aerodynamic fluid flows indicative of flow separation and strain on said surface;
- (b) measuring differentials in the intensity of light emitted from said flexible portion, whereby changes in the intensity of light emitted from light rays within said optical fibers imparts data indicative of respectively the absence or the presence of flow separation or strain on said surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.