Model Deformation Measurement

Despite wind tunnel models being manufactured from high-grade metals and capable of withstanding high aerodynamic loads, it cannot be assumed that the geometry is inflexible.

Wings are known to bend and twist under high aerodynamic load, which is effectively changing the geometry being tested. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to measure these deformations and the most effective way to perform these spatial measurements is using optical systems using techniques such as digital image correlation.

ARA has developed a Model Deformation Measurement (MDM) system capable of measuring large and small changes in model shape at a variety of test conditions. This is based on the ARA PIV system hardware and software. This helps to ensure that the model is accurately representing the full-scale aircraft and to make sure that the geometry is fully known to allow meaningful comparison with CFD solutions. MDM will become an even more important tool as aero-elastic models become a regular requirement for test. 

The ARA MDM system has since been extended to include the high speed cameras to enable Model Deformation Measurements for dynamic load conditions. This enables frequency analysis of the model movement to be performed.

Related Services

We combine our specialist services to create your bespoke solution

 

Flow

The primary optical diagnostic technique for determining off-surface flow characteristics is particle image velocimetry (PIV). This uses laser light sheets and to illuminate micron sized particles seeded into the flow to accurately record flow conditions off the model surface. We also use oilflow visualization methods, shadowgraph and background oriented Schlieren (BoS).

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Model Deformation Measurement

ARA uses a technique called digital image correlation (DIC) to determine the actual shape of a model under test conditions as even metal wind tunnel models will deform under the high aerodynamic loads experienced during testing.

Pressure

The optical diagnostic technique for determining model surface pressure is pressure-sensitive paint (PSP). ARA has extensive experience of successfully using PSP to measure pressure, loads, component loads and dynamic pressure at high frequencies, for complex geometry aircraft in the ARA wind tunnels and other customer facilities.

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Aircraft Research Association Limited

Manton Lane, Bedford, England MK41 7PF

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