Handheld instruments


Thermal imaging at A


ircraft Research Association (ARA) is a UK-based aerodynamics research institute working on innovative projects for the world’s major commercial


USING THERMAL IMAGING TO VISUALISE AIRFLOW


ARA wanted to test out its Hybrid Laminar Flow Control theory, which proposes that creating a porous section at the front of the aeroplane wing will control the point of transition of airflow to reduce the effect of turbulence and improve fuel consumption.


ARA operates a large scale transonic wind


tunnel, essentially a high speed wind tunnel, at speeds up to Mach 1.4 (1000 mph) for testing aeroplane models. Due to the turbulence that air creates at such high speeds, the point of transition for airflow changes by less than one degree centigrade, so exceptionally accurate thermal measurement was needed. Previously, it used hot film gauges, however, these only measured the temperature drop - it was not visible and they interfered with the surface of the wing by being glued on. The Teledyne FLIR T1K camera allowed ARA to visualise what was happening with airflow without influencing the aerodynamics. It ensured greater accuracy during testing and on identifying the point of transition.


WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP TO ACHIEVE RESULTS To implement the technology and set up the test, ARA needed an integration partner. It selected Thermal Vision Research, a UK-based integrator partner for Teledyne FLIR, who loaned the Teledyne FLIR T1K camera to ARA for its research. ARA was already using two Teledyne FLIR A655C thermal imaging cameras in its wind tunnel to test temperature changes, but when an


54 October 2022 Instrumentation Monthly


Mach 1.4


aircraft and defence manufacturers. It recently set out to test a long-term theory that could make long-haul flights more efficient as countries move towards net zero. Using Teledyne FLIR thermal imaging cameras during testing, ARA proved its theory correct. The research will have a direct impact on increasing flight efficiency on future aeroplane designs.


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