Implementation of a Particle Image Velocimetry System for Wind Tunnel Flowfield Measurements

A test program was planned and conducted to implement Particle Image Velocimetry PIV as a flow measurement technique in the 8 x 10 Subsonic Wind Tunnel at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division using Naval Innovative Science and Engineering funding. The test was designed to examine the flowfield and airwake of a generic ship geometry that was tested previously, enabling the comparison of PIV results to velocity probe measurements from the prior investigation. In addition to PIV, Stereo Particle Image Velocimetry SPIV, a more advanced variant, was performed. The ship model was oriented at a 0-deg heading with respect to wind direction heading into the wind, and measurements were taken at flow velocities of 30, 60, and 90 knots. Data were collected along longitudinal planes aligned with the model heading, as well as from one lateral plane that cut across the flight deck. Test results are discussed and summarized. PIV and SPIV were successfully demonstrated in the wind tunnel, and are now available as powerful flowfield measurement tools for future test programs.