Proposal Number:          21-1- A1.08-2483

          

          

   

Subtopic Title:
      Aeronautics Ground Test and Measurement Technologies

          

          

   

Proposal Title:
      Non-Intrusive Fiber-Optic Boundary Layer Profile Measurement System

          

          

   

Firm:

          

Prime Photonics, LC

          

   

Address:

          

1116 South Main Street, Blacksburg, VA 24060

          

   

Phone:

          

(540) 961-2200                                                                                                                                                                                

          

   

Name:

          

Joshua Sole

          

   

E-mail:

          

josh.sole@primephotonics.com

          

   

Address:

          

1116 South Main Street, VA 24060 - 5548

          

   

Phone:

          

(540) 251-2994                                                                                                                                                                                

          

   

Name:

          

Eric Grandjacques

          

   

E-mail:

          

eric.grandjacques@primephotonics.com

          

   

Address:

          

1116 South Main Street, VA 24060 - 5548

          

   

Phone:

          

(540) 739-5416                                                                                                                                                                                

          

   

Estimated Technology Readiness Level (TRL) :                                                                                                                                                          
Begin: 2
End: 3

          

          

     

Technical Abstract (Limit 2000 characters, approximately 200 words):

Prime Photonics has been working with Virginia Tech (VT) since 2017 to develop a filtered Rayleigh scattering system for multi-property flow measurement (MPFM; velocity vector, temperature, and density). We validated the MPFM system at Virginia Tech on a JT15D gas turbine engine inlet and recently performed validation testing at the Air Force Compressor Aero Research Laboratory (CARL). Thus far, our efforts have focused on the characterization of complex high-swirl bulk flows, and the MPFM system has not been specifically tuned or utilized for boundary layer characterization.

In Phase I, Prime and VT will implement the methods described in this proposal to demonstrate the capability of a new derivative of the MPFM system, our fiber-optic boundary layer profile (FOBLP) measurement system, to measure boundary layer velocity profiles without seeded particles. Analytical design followed by an experimental proof-of-concept measurement in a VT wind tunnel will be completed and key capability metrics will be characterized. Finally, a conceptual design for the proposed system will be completed for a NASA selected facility.

In Phase II, the conceptual FOBLP system design will be progressed through a critical design stage and fabricated, installed, and validated at a NASA facility. Further data acquisition and post-processing software improvements will also be made to improve usability and increase data analysis speed.

          

          

     

Potential NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words):

The first product planned for the FOBLP technology will be a Test & Evaluation (T&E) system for wind tunnel model applications. It will be marketed to wind tunnel operators, engine OEMs, airframers, NASA facilities, DoD personnel, and universities.

          

          

     

Potential Non-NASA Applications (Limit 1500 characters, approximately 150 words):

Other applications beyond boundary layer profiling on flightcraft and in wind tunnels are likely.  Due to the very compact size of the fiber-based approach, and the ability to measure velocity, density, and temperature, applications could include interrogating difficult regions of interest in medical diagnostics, internal combustion engine diagnostics, and thermal systems.

          

          

     

Duration:     6