Project Title:

A Non-Intrusive, Solid-State, Angle-of-Attack Instrument

03.05-7093
911989
A Non-Intrusive, Solid-State, Angle-of-Attack Instrument
Analytical Services & Materials, Inc.
107 Research Drive
Hampton
VA
23666
S. M.
Mangalam
804-865-7093
LaRC
NAS1-19519
033

03.05-7093
911989

Abstract:

A Non-Intrusive, Solid-State, Angle-of-Attack Instrument
A new technique for indicating the angle-of-attack (AOA) based on accurately locating
the leading-edge stagnation point in flight will be developed. Advanced flow diagnostics
techniques and instrumentation developed recently by the company will be used for
the flight application. The stagnation point location will be determined by identifying
the phase reversal signatures, and the clearly identifiable fundamental and higher
harmonic dither frequencies in signals from micro-thin, multi-element, hot-film sensors.
The multi-element, hot-film sensors will be operated by a high sensitivity constant
voltage anemometer. Signals from 16 anemometers will be simultaneously acquired by
the company's data acquisition and analysis system. Flight tests will be made on
an experimental-class airplane to evaluate the feasibility of determining angle-of-attack
over the entire flight envelope through the identification of the leading-edge stagnation
point.
Existing AOA devices are relatively high cost and/or intrusive. A low-cost, non-intrusive,
digital relative angle-of-attack display suitable for general aviation aircraft as
well as for transport and military aircraft has market viability, and could also
be made available in a more sophisticated form to measure absolute AOA for research
and flight test aircraft. The measurement technique can also be used to provide yaw
or side slip angle displays as well as provide tail downwash or sidewash angles.
angle-of-attack, non-intrusive, multi-element, hot-film, sensors