Unified Model Deformation and Flow Transition Measurements

For the first time a transition detection system using temperature sensitive paint (TSP) and a model deformation measurement system have been unified, enabling simultaneous measurements in a large production wind tunnel at the NASA Ames Research Center. Simultaneous transition detection and twist and bending measurements were made on the main wing and trailing edge flap of a trapezoidal semispan wing at M = 0.15 to 0.25, Re = 3.5 x 10^6 to 15 x 10^6, over an AoA range of -4 to 34. The two optical measurement systems worked together seamlessly. The deformation measurement system was also configured with a simple software change to acquire data with normal test section lighting when TSP data were not being taken.