Implementing pressure-sensitive paint in the AFRL subsonic aerodynamic research laboratory

Research and development conducted to enable pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) measurements to be made in the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) subsonic aerodynamic research laboratory (SARL) is described. In addition to the fundamental challenges of making PSP measurements in low speed flows, the unique characteristics of the SARL, and how they further challenge the technique, are presented. The design and performance specifications of ultrastable illumination sources, based on arrays of blue light emitting diodes, are given. The characteristics of sol-gel-based PSPs, which offer a number of advantages for low speed measurements, are provided. A highly adaptable system for rigidly mounting and easily positioning and aiming the lamps and camera is described. A process whereby as many as four regions of interest, in the camera field of view, are displayed real-time for monitoring model thermal stability and facility ambient light contamination is shown. Other operational aspects of deploying PSP in SARL are also described