7-3
Surface Pressure and acoustic Flow Field
Measurements above a Delta Wing
to determine Circulation
Rolf H. Engler
Deutsches Zentrum fir Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR)
Bunsenstrasse 10, 37073 Gottingen, Germany
E-Mail: rolfenglerwdlr.de
I. INTRODUCTION
The observations of the travel-time changes of ultrasonic
pulses passing through the vortices, generated by inclined
wing profiles in wind tunnels have provided information on
the particular flow configurations (e.g., separated flow and
related recirculating flow regions) and data on turbulence and
the circulation of vortices moving downstream [3] [4]. Based
on the results of these experiments, an acoustical circulation
meter has been created at the DLR Gottingen. This circulation
meter used in the low-speed wind tunnel regime measured
steady and periodic vortex fields in the wakes of various
wings. Data obtained from downstream vorticity measure-
ments were used to predict lift distributions. In order to evalu-
ate the measured data, theoretical curves computed on the
basis of a Hamel-Oseen vortex model [1] were optimally fitted
to the primary travel-time curves. Thus the most significant
parameters of the investigated vortices were obtained: vortex
location, vortex core radius and circulation or the maximum
circumferential velocity, respectively.
For all these applications, the acoustical measuring technique
provided the following capabilities:
1) The measured flow range of interest can be kept free from
disturbances due to measuring probes [5]. The intensity of the
sonic pulses is much too low as to have any influence on the
flow processes.
2) To determine, in particular, the parameters of vortices,
each measurement directly provides the required line integral
of the velocities. Compared to the method that produces this
integral by means of many local measurements along the path
of integration (danger of an accumulation of systematic errors),
the present method is much more accurate.
3) In cases in which it is possible to use the ultrasonic
method (true without significant problems in the velocity
range below approximately 50 m/s), this method leads to a
substantial reduction (by usually more than a factor of 10) of
the required testing time compared to other flow field meas-
urement methods.
4) No calibration is necessary.
0-7803-9096-2/05/$20.OOC2005 IEEE.
This ultra sonic technique was combined with PSP meas-
urement [10], in this case with an inclined delta wing for in-
vestigation of the interesting vortex breakdown phenomenon.
For low speed it can be observed simultaneously, the vortex
breakdown in pressure distribution and circulation FO on the
wing surface before the point of vortex breakdown or direct
using the circulation meter i.e. Im behind the model. The
main advantage is: no seeding particles destroy the paint and
therefore both techniques can be used simultaneously.
Nomenclature
c sound velocity
a distance between sound beam and
vortex center
I depth of the wing
s length of integration path
r = radius related to the center of the vortex
ro = radius belonging to umax
A tw = flow induced difference in the traveling
time of ultra sonic pulses
u = circumferential velocity of the vortex
Umax = maximum circumferential velocity at ro
Uo = velocity of the undisturbed test flow
a = angle of attack
ho = total circulation
x,y ,z= cartesian coordinates in relation to the
vortex center
b = half wing span of model
a = angle between the velocity vectors u and w
p = absolute pressure
II. TEST METHOD
The uses of the acoustical method discussed here to in-
vestigate flows all have, as shown in Figure 1, one principal
test setup in common: a sonic signal propagating along a mea-
suring sound beam is emitted by a transmitter that is located
outside of the flow region under test. The travel time of this
signal is changed (reduced due to tailwind, enlarged due to
135
 7-3

headwind) on its way to the receiver by the flow velocity

components present in the signal's direction of propagation. In
t= * L'5/2dz - 114-r0 Umax Y
case of temperature variations, they can be eliminated using C sl2 C(y 2 +z2)
temperature data measured simultaneously by any other
method. If, as shown in Fig. 1, the sound beam is shifted
through a vortex in y-direction (with the axes of both perpen- [1 exp( -1.26 .(y *2 +Z2 ) 1 (1)
dicular to one another), a characteristic travel-time profile thus 2r

results with reduced travel times where c is the speed of sound, ro is the vortex core radius, umax
sound receiver is the maximum circumferential velocity of the vortex, y, z are
coordinates due to Fig. 1 with y = 0 at the sound beam axis
sound signal propagating and z = 0 midway between transmitter and receiver, s is the
along measuring sound beam distance between sound transmitter and receiver, and y* is
they coordinate of the vortex axis. Variation of y* produces
s/2 ye* - the profile pictured in Figure 2 of the corresponding travel
time Atw. As already mentioned in the introduction, the meas-
Umax
ured Atw profiles of actual vortices can, in many cases, be well
approximated by such a profile; the computer performing the
optimal approximation then yields the values of all vortex
parameters-location, vortex core radius r, maximum circum-
ferential velocity umax and, hence, the corresponding circu-
lation expressed by the relation:
s/2
FO = ( 1/0. 716) umax 2 S ro. (2)
-direction of sound beam shift

sound transmitter
Figure 1. Sketch showing the principle of the acoustical measurement
of flow velocity fields using a vortex as an example.

on the one side of the vortex axis and enlarged travel times on 2
the other. For a Hamel-Oseen vortex, which has proved useful
as a model of many actual vortex flows, the travel time over a
distance s between sound transmitter and receiver (both equi- I
distant to the vortex axis) can be calculated by equation (1) as
follow: y
-. -.-.-. _

A Attw

\ \t Umax

Figure 3. A tw-curve as result of two parallel measuring sound beams

,_y* 1 and 2 at a distance of 2a shifted over an vortex with a radius of rm

r, 1
-.ur
, rm
Figure 2. Characteristic shape of a travel-time profile obtained from
shifting the measuring sound beam according to Figure 1 across a
Hamel-Oseen vortex. Here, rm is the radius for maximum
flow-induced travel-time difference A tw, ro is the radius for maxi-
mum circumferential velocity Umax
As shown in Figure 3 of the A tw-curve resulting from the
application of the two sound beam configuration with a dis-
tance of 2a between both sound beams. Using this configura-
tion, two paths of the line integral for circulation measure-
ments are already realized. For an easy circulation measure-
ment only the path length s has to be large in comparison to
the distance 2a to measure directly the complete circulation
as:
FO = v * ds. (3)

136
 7-3

III. APPLICATION TO THE MEASUREMENT OF VORTICES 4

A. Single vortex
Atw [US] 3
Investigation using the ultrasonic instrumentation described
above was directed to the measurement of the tip vortices
originating from a rectangular wing of span 78.2 cm and as-
pect ratio 5. This NACA 0012 profile shows characteristic
samples of plots of A tw data measured by shifting the measur-
ing sound beams through the vortex, the upper plot obtained 1

by applying two measuring sound beams according to the ar-

rangement shown in Figure 4, the lower plot resulting from
single beam measurement of the same vortex. The left part of
these plots corresponds to the undisturbed portion of the vor-
tex; this part is, therefore, seen to follow curves like the curves
3 and 2, respectively, in Fig. 2.
The right parts of the picture shows, superimposed on the
vortex-induced shift of the running time, the additional influ-
ence of the downwash behind the wing. Figure 5, another
sample plot of measured data, gives an impression of the re-
sult of the computer-aided curve fitting which, according to
the characteristic data of the tip vortex.
*: .
Ql
60 30 0
y [cm]
Figure 5. Sample plot of measured data (obtained with the two -
sound-beam configuration) corresponding to a tip vortex, with best
fitted curve calculated from the data points represented by the filled
circles.
Figures 6 and 7 shows the downstream variation of the radius
of the vortex core and the maximum circumferential velocity.
In accordance with theoretical prediction, the radius ro of the
vortex core is seen shortly behind the wing to increase linearly
with the distance from the wing, independently of the angle of
attack. At greater distances, the rise of ro becomes slower, its
value remaining still independent of the angle of attack. The
circumferential velocities, as is

CD 022
so

so
ro /I
0
0
ae
do
1- 'I
a* %a
-- 0
.
.
in" 018
* e 0 X X 4C
y [cm]

014

k. 0,0
6,o 5,
,

,-d:
y [cm]
r '10 -15 X/l
Figure 6. Core radius of the tip vortex versus downstream distance from
the wing. Data of the tests: 1 = 156.4 mm, UO= 20 mls.

expected, change with angle of attack, the significant change

Figure 4. Characteristic samples of plots of Atw data measured by
shifting the measuring sound beams through a tip vortex, for com-
parison obtained with the configuration using two measuring sound
beams and with only one measuring beam according to Figure 1,
(upper and lower plot).
From the results which were obtained by such measurements,
two diagrams may be reproduced here as examples for what
can rather easily be achieved by the ultrasonic method:
of the slope in the downstream development of the maximum
circumferential velocity seen in Fig. 7 near xl=-10 is believed
to be due to a corresponding decrease of the effective friction
in the core, caused perhaps by laminarisation of the core. The
product of core radius and circumferential velocity is equal to
the circulation; this value, not shown here, was found directly
by measurement, using the ultrasonic method, to rise mono-
tonically with x/I within the region tested.

137
 7-3

0.24 4. I I~~~~~~~~~ a =
- 313 a=4 Atw [ps]
a:= 8- a 45cm
0.20 - 30cm
Umox A a -6.0cm aC=8
UO -._ r ........................-.....................--. ................_.......................................
o1 S

.............................. ............................... .. ...

................................................................

012

10 20~~~~~~..................................
0.08 -15
.......

:~ ~~ ~ spoiler position
y [cm]

0 5 -10 -15 /1 207 Figure 9. Plot of A tw data measured with spoiler configuration A
according to Fig. 8. For comparison, the broken line represents the
Figure 7. Maximum circumferential velocity of the tip vortex versus corresponding data measured without spoiler. Data of tests: a = 8;
distance downstream from the wing. Test data: same as in Fig. 6. x= -30 cm; U0= 20 mls; 2a= 6.0 cm.

by point exploration of the flow field. Surely, the ultrasonic

B. Spoiler influence method would be similarly valuable in reducing time and
money needed to optimize, for instance, the shape of a vehicle
Another remarkable result of the measurements was the by successive introduction of small alterations and testing
demonstration of the unique applicability of the ultrasonic their effects.
method for getting immediately visible information on the
effect of even small alterations of the model on the wake flow wing tip
field. For this purpose, a small spoiler was fixed to the lower atw [AiSI
surface of the wing near its tip as shown in Figure 8, and, ac-
cording to Figures 9 to 12, the A t4 curve obtained with this
arrangement compared to the curve obtained from the wing
alone. From this comparison one recognizes, with the spoiler
in position A, the circulation of the tip vortex being raised by
10% and its center being shifted by 3 mm to the center of the
wing. The other positions, B and C in Fig. 10 and 11 are seen
to have much less effect on the vortex. Only about 10 min of 30
[cn]
spoiler position
_15
-, 7T
-4
1
Figure 1O. Same as Fig. 9, but spoiler configuration B.
i

SPOILER -4
tb
.n
tt
wing tip
111; Atw [bs] 1

A B 55

Figure 8. Three versions of spoiler configuration near the tip of the

wing (inserted dimensions in mm).

measuring time were needed to obtain this result, in contrast to y [Cm]

spol er position
at least ten times this value which would have been necessary
to achieve the same information from conventional point
Figure 11. Same as Fig. 9, but spoiler configuration C.

138
 7-3

C. Laser beam as ultrasonic receiver

pos. sensor l
The propagation of ultrasonic waves in the measuring
sound beam is known to be related not only to the pressure right angle prism
yp'
fluctuations, as they can be registered, for example, by a ce-
ramic microphone, but also to the corresponding density fluc-
tuations.

:I s
Yp2

pos. sensor 2 cube beam splitter

Figure 14. Arrangement of two laser beams after Fig. 13 to set an

integration path s within the flow under test. The sound beam can be
moved and passes always both laser beams.

If, therefore, according to Figure 14, the sonic beam is al-

Figure 12. Linear arrays of a flat version of Sell-type ultrasonic
transmitter arrays exemplarily located in two positions within the
wake of a car model for no disturbing acoustic measurement of the
velocity field.
The picture also indicates the alternate technique of substi-
tuting a single measuring sound beam due to Fig. 1, shifted
mechanically across the wake for measurement, by multiple
beams suitably manipulated electronically.
lowed to cross consecutively two parallel laser beams at a
distances apart, one obtains two received signals that are stag-
gered by a travel-time needed for the ultrasonic pulse to run
through the path s. By correlating these two, digitally stored
signals, a typical example of which is shown in Figure 15, the
travel time, and thus the line integral over the flow velocity
along the path s, can be determined from the passage of a

laser beam, deflected

by the sound signal
incident laser beam

yp
I. . . I. . .
I. . . I. . . EMU

sound signals
vI
position diode, measuring
laser beam deflection
ES3 - sound transmitter
-pulse generator
Figure 13. Scheme of the measuring sound beam with laser beam,
detecting variations of density.
An optical arrangement, as pictured in Figure 13, is appro-
priate to record these density fluctuations: A continuous laser
beam crosses the sound beam, perpendicular to the direction
of propagation of the sound waves, and reacts to the density
gradient caused by the passing sound wave with deflections in
yp direction which, in the position sensitive detector, are trans-
lated into proportional electrical voltages. With this method,
the arrival of ultrasonic pulses can be registered at practically
any given point, even within the flow under investigation,
without affecting the flow or the ultrasonic signal being af-
fected whatsoever.
Figure 15. Received sound signals from both laser beams shown in
Fig. 14. The travel time is obtained from cross correlation of both
signals.
single ultrasonic pulse. One can make the integration path set
optically within the flow very short and thus take local veloc-
ity measurements practically punctiformly. Experiments were
performed with an array of integration paths of a distance of A
=10 mm, where the achieved accuracy of the At measurement
of < 0.4 10-8 s allows even the low flow velocity of 5 cm/s to
be detected. In addition, tests with an integration path of only
5 mm - and, hence, comparable with the magnitude of conven-
tional pressure probes- confirmed the resolution of 10 cm/s to
be expected in this case.

139
 7-3
IV. STRUCTURE AND BREAKDOWN OF VORTICES
ADJACENT TO A SLENDER DELTA WING
As is well-known, the vortices developing from the leading
edge of an inclined slender delta wing are, in general, subject
to the so-called vortex breakdown. This phenomenon by
which the regular vortex structure becomes unstable at a cer-
tain downstream position is extremely sensitive to distur-
bances emanating from even smallest probes inserted in the
flow. Thus reliable results of measurements cannot be ob-
tained by applying usual probe techniques. Furthermore, in-
vestigating vortex flows, one most often cannot take ad-
vantage of the laser Doppler Anemometry or Particle Veloci-
metry, which, as desired, requires no probes in the flow under
test, but which needs a certain seeding of the flow by light
scattering particles: Such particles are ejected out of the cen-
tral region of the vortex by centrifugal forces - especially in
the viscous core region which is the main interest of these
basic aerodynamic investigation.
The above-mentioned non-disturbing ultra-optical sonic-
method of measurement overcame both disadvantages. The
test setup is schematically pictured in Figure 16. It shows,
essentially at its top, far outside the vortices, the ultrasonic
ultra sonic
transmitter position
X sensitive
6: detectors
z O
y ner structure of the vortex at a position upstream of the break-
U00
laEser beams
prisms
Figure 16. Test setup for the investigation of vortices adjacent to an
inclined slender delta wing, using the non-disturbing optical ultra-
sonic-method of measurement after Fig. 14 to study their internal
structure and breakdown.
transmitter and the optical arrangement needed to employ the
two laser beam method of measurement as described before.
140
This apparatus enabled investigations some exemplary results,
which are presented in the following.
Atw
Measured
Pr umps in circulation al
j
Rolled up shear layer
P Secondary
vorte
Delta wng
Figure 17. The upper part is an example of a travel-time profile ob-
tained from the vortex generated by an inclined slender delta wing,
measured by the method shown in Fig. 14, and best fit line calculated
on the assumption of potential flow between the measured circulation
FO and the also measured jumps AF (1), AF (2), AF (3) of circulation
due to windings of the rolled up shear layer. The lower part is a
sketch of the internal structure of the vortex as derived from the top
curve.
Figure 17 demonstrates the successful detection of the in-
down point. The jumps clearly discernible along the measured
circulation curve correspond to the points where the shear
layer that is rolled up forming the vortex crosses the horizontal
plane through the vortex core.
Under the assumption that the flow between the successive
windings of the shear layer can be considered as a potential
flow, computer-aided curve fitting, as is seen, led to good re-
sults. From the theoretical curve thus obtained, first time the
increase of circulation along the spiral proceeding from the
edge of the viscous vortex core to the leading edge of the wing
can be inferred as a curve shown in Figure 18 for one charac-
teristic case.
A further remarkable result obtained from the evaluation of
the measured data is a new confirmation of the Ludwieg [2]
stability theory concerning the rapid vortex breakdown. In this
theory, a form parameter K is introduced by equation:
1
V C
~~2 In(r/r0) (4)
=
(O
K + 2-
where Vy is the tangential velocity component of the vortex at
radius r, ro the radius of the vortex core, and C an integration
constant. It states that when, advancing downstream, this pa-
rameter decreasingly reaches the value 1.16, one arrives at the
point where vortex break-down suddenly occurs.

0 0.2 0.4 0.6
Figure 18: Growth of the circulation along the spiral shear layer be-
tween the border of the vortex core and the wing tip as derived from
the F curve in Fig. 17.
In Figure 19, values of K are plotted at several down-
stream positions, each of them deduced from an originally
measured travel-time curve acquired at that position. Indeed,
the breakdown point found independently by a non-disturbing
laser sheet technique is seen obviously to coincide with the
downstream distance where K crosses the 1. 16 line.
2.0
K
1.5. ..
1.16
1 ,0 .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..
0.55 0.60 0.65
0.70
breakdown point also
observed by laser sheet
Figure 19. Acoustically measured values of the Ludwieg parameter
K of vortex stability, confirming the theoretical prediction of vortex
breakdown at K = 1. 16. Here, x'l is dimensionless downstream dis-
tance of the plane of measurement from the tip of the delta wing (x'li
1 at its trailing edge).
V. PSP INVESTIGATION ON A DELTA WING
As well-known, the process of vortex breakdown is mainly
a function of the aspect ratio and the angle of attack - and
slightly also by the Reynolds-Number for delta wings. There-
fore it's not highly important what flow speed was used for
vortex breakdown investigation. A different investigation on
vortex development above delta wings shows mainly an emi-
7-3
nent effect depending of the type of the leading edges of the
delta wing itself, like:
a. sharp b. small rounded c. large rounded.
In the most cases sharp edged models are investigated, be-
cause the stability criterions are well-known and the vortex
breakdown process can be explained in details, as shown in
the previous chapters using the ultra-sonic method.
After a number of PSP comparison tests with sharp edged
delta wings, the test case for small rounded edges was chosen
to investigate the vortex development in direction of circula-
0.8 1.0 tion- and pressure distribution [6] [7]. Remember, PSP can
S'/S'o deliver only "foot prints" of the vortices and without the flow
field information often an interpretation is very difficult and
needs good experience. Simultaneous performed PIV meas-
urements are not simply possible, because the seeding material
(often components of any kind of oil) destroy immediately the
oxygen quenching process because the penetration of oxygen
(air from the wind tunnel) is blocked by small oil particles or a
complete oil film on the PSP coated surface [8] [9].
Figure 20. Implementation of the PSP coated delta wing with me-
0.75 dium rounded edges in the black coated (anti-reflex coating) test
A section of the TWG at Gottingen.
In such interesting cases Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV)
measurements must be performed after PSP measurements.
But in such cases the wind tunnel cost are higher because a
complete second run is necessary. For the test run special an-
gles of attack were selected to study aerodynamic effects ob-
tained with the ultra-sonic method and PSP as well PIV more
in detail.
A new PSP coating DLRO3 was developed at DLR in 2005
with a solvable reference component and a new arrangement
of pressure sensitive dyes [8]. A very uniform coating is the
result and filtering for final images is not necessary. The PSP
measurements shows in comparison to conventional PSI
measurement a very accurate agreement with parallel obtained
PSI measurements and all structures i.e. vortex suction along
the vortex trajectory is excellent visible.
141
 7-3

vortices were detected, but there position switched depending

Ma = 0.4 of any small disturbance in the flow or by control of any influ-
Re-3 10 PSI ence attachment or reattachment from one side to the other of
_ 21
x, the leading edge - however it is a very sensitive to the flow
XA
itself. Both next Figures 23 and 24 shows the described situa-
-
a
E3
,, D.i
tion.

Ma-=0.4
Re= 3 106
0n,.- 130

Figure 21. Result of a PSP/PSI comparison using the DLRO3 paint

for Ma= 0.4 and ax = 21.

Ma 0.4
Re= 3 106 PSI
nx,, 25" 0 -2

M-1
4 __ 0 F *2 Figure 23. Visible structure change in the right vortex trajectory us-
ing the DLRO3 paint for Ma= 0.4 and a = 13.
. . P; 7u
I#-
6 e .1r;
S\b

Ma = 0.4
Reo-3 106 PSP
(Xnem, 1AOC

Figure 22. Result of a PSP/PSI comparison using the DLRO3 paint

for Ma= 0.4 and a = 25.

11~~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 7
Small pressure values can be detected also, extensive inde-
pendent of the vortex trajectory distance, because they are
already high above the wing surface and influence relatively
low the pressure distribution. Here the circulation using the
ultra-sonic method was also measured in a short distance be-
fore the vortex breakdown process and predicted for the vis-
cous core a vortex dz 2cm in diameter.
Since the PSP date exist, all the results were non easy predict-
able signals were obtained -depending on the angle of attack, Figure 24. Visible structure change in the left vortex trajectory mov-
typically around for a =120 - 15 are now important for a new ing upstream for higher angles of attack, in this case for Ma= 0.4 and
interpretation. The vortex breakdown for this delta wing at a = 14.
about x/l= 80% of the chord is at a = 24, so in both cases a
correct circulation Fo of a fully developed vortex is not ex- A first explanation leads to more than one vortex on both
pected behind the wing. wing sides - independent of the typically secondary vortex,
For a = 13 first of all unpredictable results in circulation because they create clear structures, with rotation in opposite
behind the wing were detected. To investigate these phenom- direction and are very different in circulation to each other. On
ena therefore also PIV tests after the PSP measurements were the other hand it's clear by Figure 25, both vortices have the
performed. In the PSP pressure distribution non symmetric same direction of rotation.

142
 7-3
A t,
f[PS
y [mm]
Figure 25. Travel time distribution using the ultra-sonic method at
x/l1 0.8. The profile shows clear two vortices with the same direc-
tion of rotation for UOO= 30m/s and = 14. The center of vortex 1 is
a
located at positiony=0.
Hence, the two vortex structure with the same direction of
rotation and same strength of circulation can be obtained from
Fig. 25. In addition also the measurements using PIV shows a
clear answer for this before unknown effect. Figure 26 shows
the combined PSP and PIV result for the flow conditions Ma=
0.4ando =14.
Figure 26. Combination of PSP and PIV for the final explanation of
the existence of two vortices with the same circulation strengths and
direction of rotation for Ma= 0.4 and cc = 140.
Without anydoubts here we have a special vortex formation,
depending on rounded leading edges with a moderate radius of
the leading edges. More details are still under investigation,
but two vortices with the same direction of rotation exists with
nearly the same strengths (circulation) and this observation is
143
quite new and a big success for all non-intrusive measurement
techniques.
Figure 27. Calculated vortex structure (W. Fritz, EADS Mulnchen,
Germany) using the obtained PSP results as start conditions but with-
out knowledge of the PIV results for Ma= 0.4 and = 14.
a
As visualized in Fig. 27 this phenomenon can be calculated
numerically when a fine distributed pressure distribution from
PSP is available. Just here we have a grandiose argument for
more interdisciplinary work between CFD and real experi-
ments in wind tunnels, because this result could not be calcu-
lated without the information of measured experimental data.
Location of transition line upper wing site
lower wing site
Figure 28. Position of the transition line along the rounded edge pro-
fileforMa= 0.4and a= 140.
However, it was also a question of the location of the transi-
tion line (position) Figure 28, because this line must be lo-
cated along the rounded edges more in direction to the suction
side and generates only depending of the current situation this
new detected vortex formation. Also it should be appear on
real fighters with the well known round edges during maneu-
vers with high angles of attack. More details are given in a
separate report [11].
VI. CONCLUSION
An ultrasonic measuring system has been developed which
is useful for fast and non intrusive exploration of -the flow
field around models in wind tunnels, especially suitable for the
measurement of vortices. It is based on the measurement of
 7-3

the flow-induced running time difference of short ultrasonic
pulses, propagating along one or more measuring sound
beams, requiring no critical adjustment and no special calibra-
tion. Especially for very sensitive measurements where al-
ready very small probes disturb the flow phenomenon like the
vortex breakdown process the non-disturbing laser detection
as sound receiver is very useful. From the computer-aided
evaluation of the measured data all essential parameters of the
vortices under test (position in the flow, core diameter, maxi-
mum circumferential velocity, and circulation) can be deter-
mined accurately. The-method has been successfully em-
ployed to steady and to unsteady vortices. In comparison to
the conventional method of point by point measurement using
directional pressure probes are not possible to use for such
sensitive processes. The fast ultra-sonic method allows reduc-
tion in wind tunnel costs, makes it especially valuable as a
quasi-real-time method for investigations concerning the in-
fluence of even small modifications of the model on the result-
ing flow field.
A comparison using both, the PSP and PIV technique a
quite new vortex phenomenon could be detected for small
rounded edged delta wings in a small range of angle of attack
- not only depending on the used Mach Number.
The fact, that also from the PSP pressure distribution a nu-
merical solution can be found, encourage the future coopera-
tive work between theory and experiment. It could be very
impressive shown, that not all aerodynamic problems are al-
ready solved and new measurement techniques open an inter-
esting area of discovering in aerodynamics.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
For the purpose of evaluation of measured data and by com-
puter-acquisition as well as for the final PSP calculation,
C. Klein, U. Henne and W.E. Sachs have performed excellent
work in programming and measurement tests. The author
would like here to express their sincere appreciation to them
for there valuable contribution to the success of the in-
vestigations. Thanks are also expressed to the PIV team of our
DLR division.
[5] Engler, R.H. et al. Ultrasonic method for flow field meas-
urement in wind tunnel tests, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 71(1),
1982, pp. 42-50
[6] Hummel, D., Redeker, G. A new vortex flow experiment
for computer code validation, RTO AVT Symposium on
"Vortex Flow and High Angle of Attack Aerodynamics",
Loen, Norway, 7-11 May 2001, Meeting Proceedings
RTO-NO-068 (1), 2003, SYA 8-1 to 8-3 1.
[7] Chu, J., Luckring, J.M., Experimental surface pressure
data obtained on 65 delta wing across Reynolds number
and Mach number ranges, NASA TM 4645, 1996
[8] Engler, R.H., Klein, Chr. First Results Using the New
DLR PSP System -Intensity and Lifetime Measurements,
Conference "Wind Tunnels and Wind Tunnel Test Tech-
niques", Cambridge LTK, ISBN 185768 0480, 1997
[9] Morris, M.J., Donovan, J.F., Kegelmann, J.T., Schwab,
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